Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Abel Hold died in 1891; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1961.
In context
Nest with Three Eggs — Abel Hold
The original measures 19 × 24 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 76 at death.
Painted when the artist was 74. The artist lived to 76. 11 of the 13 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Abel Hold (1815–1891) ▲ this work, 1889 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1870 Main working years: 1870–1883 Late works: from 1883
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/abel-hold-nest-with-three-eggs-AQTTPN-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #1c1b17
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 28 works by this artist, of which 9 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Nest with Three Eggs — Abel Hold
The painting "Nest with Three Eggs" by Abel Hold is a beautiful example of oil on canvas artwork, created in 1889. This stunning piece measures 19 x 24 cm and is currently located at the Cawthorne Victoria Jubilee Museum in the United Kingdom. The museum is home to an impressive collection of handmade oil paintings reproductions and prints on canvas of famous artworks.
The composition of "Nest with Three Eggs" features a nest made up of twigs, with two birds sitting on top of each other, surrounded by three eggs. The dark background adds depth and contrast to the scene, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. This style is characteristic of Abel Hold's work, who was known for his attention to detail and ability to capture the natural beauty of his subjects. Key Features of the painting include:
The use of oil on canvas, which gives the piece a rich and vibrant texture
The intricate details of the nest and the birds, showcasing Abel Hold's skill as an artist
The emotional connection created by the scene, evoking feelings of warmth and comfort in the viewer
Abel Hold was a talented artist, and his work can be found in various museums and collections. The Cawthorne Victoria Jubilee Museum is one such institution, showcasing an impressive collection of artworks, including "Nest with Three Eggs". For more information on the museum and its collection, visit Discovering the Artworks of Cawthorne Victoria Jubilee Museum, United Kingdom.
To view more of Abel Hold's work, including "Nest with Four Eggs" and "Girl with a Lamb", visit Painting by 'Abel Hold' | Abel Hold:Nest with Three Eggs.
Artist and museum
Abel Hold (1815-1896), a largely unsung figure of 19th-century British art, possessed a remarkable talent for capturing the essence of the natural world. Born in Alverthorpe, a small village near Wakefield, Yorkshire, his artistic journey began not with formal training but through a deep connection to the landscapes and wildlife surrounding him. Hold’s life was one of quiet dedication, marked by a self-taught approach and a profound respect for the subjects he depicted – animals, game birds, and the evocative scenery of West Yorkshire.
Early in his career, Hold worked as a house painter and decorator, skills that undoubtedly informed his meticulous observation of detail and his understanding of color. However, it was his passion for depicting the natural world that truly defined his artistic output. He wasn’t merely recording scenes; he sought to convey the spirit and character of each subject, imbuing his paintings with a sense of life and immediacy. His work reflects a Romantic sensibility – an appreciation for beauty, a fascination with nature's power, and a yearning for connection with the wild.
A pivotal moment in Hold’s career arrived through his acquaintance with Walter Spencer-Stanhope, the owner of Cannon Hall Estate. Recognizing Hold’s talent, Spencer-Stanhope became a generous patron, providing him with a studio and access to subjects for his paintings. This patronage allowed Hold to dedicate himself fully to his art, fostering a period of intense creative activity. The estate's extensive grounds offered an unparalleled source of inspiration – from the rolling hills and woodlands to the abundant wildlife.
Hold’s connection with Cannon Hall extended beyond mere financial support; it fostered a shared appreciation for the natural world. He meticulously documented the estate’s flora and fauna, creating a rich visual record of its diverse ecosystem. His paintings of game birds – pheasants, partridges, and grouse – are particularly celebrated for their realism and sensitivity to the animals' behavior. He wasn’t simply rendering appearances; he captured the essence of these creatures in motion, conveying their alertness, grace, and inherent wildness.
Hold’s artistic style was characterized by a directness and simplicity that belied his deep understanding of technique. He eschewed elaborate ornamentation or dramatic compositions, instead focusing on capturing the essential qualities of his subjects with clarity and precision. His brushwork was often loose and expressive, conveying texture and movement with subtle variations in tone and color.
Notably, Hold developed his own pigments, grinding river pebbles for ochre, umber, and sienna – a testament to his resourcefulness and intimate connection with the landscape. This practice not only provided him with a unique palette but also reinforced his understanding of materials and their interaction with light. His paintings often possess a remarkable luminosity, achieved through careful layering of color and a sensitivity to atmospheric effects.
Despite his considerable talent, Abel Hold remained largely unknown during his lifetime. He was a working artist, content to pursue his passion without seeking fame or fortune. It wasn’t until decades after his death that his work began to receive wider recognition. The Cawthorne 1790-1990 booklet and later exhibitions highlighted the significance of his contributions to Yorkshire art. Today, Abel Hold is increasingly appreciated as a skilled naturalist painter who captured the beauty and spirit of the West Yorkshire landscape with remarkable sensitivity and insight.
His paintings are now housed in collections such as the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (where a portrait of Jonas Beaumont hangs), and private collections, offering a glimpse into the life and work of an artist whose quiet dedication and profound connection to nature continue to resonate today. Abel Hold’s legacy lies not only in his beautiful paintings but also in his embodiment of a simpler, more contemplative approach to art – one rooted in observation, respect for the natural world, and a deep appreciation for its enduring beauty.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/abel-hold-nest-with-three-eggs-AQTTPN-en/
Look closely
Nest with Three Eggs — Abel Hold
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The recorded values for "Nest with Three Eggs" by Abel Hold are: deep_shadow brightness, dark luminance.
The artist behind "Nest with Three Eggs" is Abel Hold. The work is catalogued under Abel Hold's name.
The original "Nest with Three Eggs" by Abel Hold measures 19 x 24 cm.