Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Holman, Francis
HOLMAN, FRANCIS (fl. 1760–1790), of a Cornish family, marine painter, resided among the seafaring folk in Shadwell and Wapping. There he painted several pictures of shipping, storms, sea-fights, &c., which have met with unmerited neglect. In 1767 he exhibited three pictures of shipping at the Free Society of Artists. He exhibited with that society up to 1772. In 1774 he first exhibited at the Royal Academy, sending ‘The Augusta Yacht, with His Majesty on board Reviewing the Fleet at Spithead,’ and ‘The Fleet Saluting His Majesty when on board the Barfleur.’ He exhibited there every year up to 1784. In 1778 he sent a painting of Admiral Hawke's victory at Belle Isle in 1759; in 1779 the attack on Rhode Island by the French fleet in 1778; in 1780 Admiral Rodney's engagement with the Spanish squadron; in 1782 Admiral Parker's engagement with the Dutch fleet; in 1783 Lord Rodney's action with the French fleet in April 1782; and in 1784 Lord Hood's action at Basseterre in January 1782.
[Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Graves's Dict. of Artists, 1760–1880; Notes and Queries, 3rd ser. ix. 387, x. 114; Catalogues of the Free Society of Artists and the Royal Academy.]