Antique oil portrait painting of a rabbit by English artist Abel Hold (1815-1893), signed in the lower left corner A Hold. This atmospheric, typically Victorian oil painting of a rabbit is totally authentic and incredibly atmospheric.  The canvas is smooth to the touch.  The rabbit lies still, it is the total focus of the painting.  It's moody and quite dark and would make a fabulous addition to a country home.
MORE ABOUT THIS PAINTING:
Medium: Oil on cardboard
Overall size: 22ins x 17ins or 56cms x 43cms (Approx)
Date: 1800's
Signed: A. Hold - Abel Hold (1815-1893) Abel's early career began with house painting and painting scenes and backdrops for theatres before becoming a professional artist.
Born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England, he was one of nine children, six of whom were boys and two of his younger brothers, Tom and Ben, also became artists. He married a Barnsley girl, Sarah Miller in 1841, they had nine children.
Abel Hold was a self taught artist who achieved fame as an animal and game painter. He also
painted and drew landscapes in and around the Barnsley area as well as painting portraits of the locals. It is believed he made his own paints by grinding pebbles for pigment. 
Between 1849 and 1871, he regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy, London.  He exhibited at the Society of British Artists in London as well as his native Yorkshire.  Sadly, he never made money from his work and struggled financially
Other paintings were shown around the country including in Manchester and Liverpool. But sadly he never made any money from his work and at one stage, was found bankrupt. During this period he sent a portrait of a starving man to Walter Spencer-Stanhope of Cannon Hall who then became a lifelong patron. Walter commissioned the portraits of several family members and estate workers, the Rev Charles Spencer– Stanhope also became a patron.
Abel died aged 81 in Cawthorne, Yorkshire on 8 May 1896.
Condition:  This is an antique and you should expect wear and tear associated with age such as minor imperfections throughout, however the painting is in good condition for the age.  The frame has damage throughout, see photo for the worst.
This painting is sent fully insured, track and trace with Colissimo.