Artist: Frank O. Salisbury (Francis “Frank” Owen Salisbury) (English, 1874-1962)
Title: The Great Twin Brethren
Medium: Antique color print on wove paper after the original mural design.
Dimensions: Image Size 5 1/4 x 7 1/2 inches.
Framed Dimensions: Approximately 14 x 17 inches.
Framing: This piece has been professionally matted and framed using all new materials.
“The Great Twin Brethren” refers to the mythical twins Castor and Pollux (also known as Dioscuri or Gemini) in Greek and Roman mythology. They are known for their heroic adventures, including their participation in the Argonautic Expedition and being associated with horsemanship and seafaring. Pollux is immortal, while Castor is mortal, and they share their time between Olympus and the Underworld.
Francis Francis (“Frank”) Owen Salisbury was an English artist painter and designer of stained glass. as a son of a plumber and glazier. He learned the art of stained glass in the workshop of his brother in St Albans. A visit to the London Drawing Academy woke up his interest for painting. He won a scholarship when he was 18 years old and so he was able to study at the Royal Academy of Arts in London from 1892 to 1897. In between he went on a scholarship to Italy where he was impressed by the fresco’s of the Renaissance. This trip shaped his taste for pageant scenes. On the Royal Academy he won several medals. He also returned there several times with expositions. Salisbury made many murals in buildings, especially in London. He also painted many religious works and illustrations of historical events. He was well known for his portraits, especially of famous people like five British prime ministers, five American presidents and several others like Benito Mussolini when he visited Italy in 1934. His portraits were painted in a traditional style. Salisbury died on August 31, 1962, in Hampstead, London, when he was 87 years old.