A fabulous panoramic landscape view of Cannes from the harbour by Edward Henry Holder. A number of figures are shown working alongside fishing boats lining the harbour wall and quay. On the hill above the portside buildings can be seen the old quarter of Le Suquet, with Cannes castle and the bell tower of the church of Notre-Dame d’Esperance at the top. Stretching along the coast to the right of the scene lies la Plage de la Croissette and its tree-lined boulevard. Holder painted this in 1895 whilst on a trip to the continent. He is known to have painted other panoramic scenes usually featuring bodies of water, such as this fine example and was particularly skilled at them.

Edward Henry Holder was born on 14 October, 1847 at Middleham, Yorkshire to Henry Wharry Holder (1824-1880) and Henrietta Henry. His father was a chemist who later became an artist. His grandfather Edward Holder and his uncle William Holder also worked as artists and picture restorers. He lived with his family in Middleham and although his father often travelled away to paint, it is highly likely he received his artistic training from him.

Sometime after 1861, he moved to Scarborough from where he began his exhibiting career at the British Institution in 1864 and at the Royal Society of British Artists in 1866. During this period, as well as painting views of England he also travelled to Europe visiting France and Italy. By the time of his marriage to Ann Seals at Scarborough on 9 March, 1868, he had established himself as a full time artist. The couple moved to Reigate in Surrey in 1869, where they lived at Holmsdale Road. From this address, Holder made his debut at the Royal Academy in 1872. The couple went on to have 10 children together. One of his sons, Charles Vincent and his daughter Isabella Clara also became artists and art teachers.

He returned to Scarborough in 1874 where he lived at 28 North Marine Road. After the death of both his parents he relocated to London, settling at Cornwall House in Lavender Hill, Clapham. From his base he would travel around painting the landscape views of Cornwall, the Lake District, North Wales, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley and his native Yorkshire. As well as painting views of England he also travelled to Europe visiting France and Italy.

Holder returned to Reigate in 1890 where he spent the next 19 years until his final move to 128 Wrottesley Road, Harlesden. His son Edward died during the Boar War in 1900 and during the following decade, Holder travelled to South Africa to visit the site where he fell and also to paint the local landscapes. In 1917 he exhibited a view of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi at the Royal Academy. After returning to England he continued living at his home in Harlesden until his death on 8 March, 1922.

Holder’s work can be found in a number of art galleries and museums including the Astley Cheetham Art Collection, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Russell-Cotes Museum, Sunderland Museum, Usher Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum, the Whitaker and York Art Gallery.

© Benton Fine Art