They Die Like Cattle by David Holt (1997)
A huge original oil painting, inspired by the Great War cemeteries of the Somme and Wilfred Owen's poem
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
Painted in 1997, this is a very large oil on canvas, framed (but not glazed). The frame measures 115 × 84cm, and painting measures 92 × 61cm. The inner layer of the frame has been panited in a light white wash, with the facing edge of the frame coloured in a dark tone. The frame was made specifically for this painting by the artist.
This painting was inspired by a tour of the Great War cemeteries of the Somme (where David's father fought), and by Wilfred Owen's poem Anthem for a Doomed Youth (What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? / Only the monstrous anger of the guns. / Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle / Can patter out their hasty orisons.) The canvas showing the immaculately kept lines of Portland Stone graves, with dashes of red around them for the poppies that grow there. In the background, and against the wall of the cemetery, and in contrast to the headstones, are the dark, shadow figures of the cattle. A poignant and moving painting, with a ghostly ethereal quality.
Signed titled, signed and dated to the reverse.
David Holt (1928–2014). Born in Hythe, Kent. Painter and Lecturer in Art. After National Service, he trained at the Canterbury School of Art, the Hammersmith School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools where he was awarded a medal for drawing and the Knapping Prize. He joined a studio-workshop with Gerald Holtom (designer of the CND symbol) in 1958 where he designed and produced proscenium curtains for schools. In 1958 he was awarded a Harkness Fellowship and travelled across America, producing many drawings and prints of the Pueblo Indians and their life-dance in Santa Fe in New Mexico, where he also worked with artist Agnes Sims. He returned to England in 1960 and continued to paint and work on large textile appliques for schools, churches, and private houses including Spade House in Kent, the former home of H G Wells.
He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1962, and in 1964 was commissioned to design and make a large textile applique 'Christ in Majesty' which still hangs in the chapel of Christ Church College in Canterbury.
He was Head of Art at Canterbury Christ Church University until his retirement in 1995. He exhibited widely in the UK and the States and worked with many art societies and summer schools across East Kent.
His work can be found in both private and public collections throughout the UK and America, including the Yale Centre for British Art. His painting "Coastal Watcher" was recently used for the dustwrapper on Modernism and Memory: Rhoda Pritzker and the Art of Collecting (Yale University Press, 2016).
Condition
The painting is in very good condition, with some spotted darkening to the back of the canvas (not affecting the painting). The frame has some small chips, scuffs and marks but is also in a good state.
Due to weight and size, postage is restricted to the UK though I am happy to investigate overseas mailing. Collection is available from Hythe, Kent (CT21). Please give at least 24 hours notice. [Location: Store].
Please email us at walterbudge@btinternet.com or geoff@coxandbudge.co.uk
Price
£300.00
