George Stubbs (1724 - 1806) (2024)

George Stubbs was classified in his lifetime as a sporting painter, and as such was excluded from full membership of the Royal Academy. He is best remembered for his paintings of horses and his conversation pieces. Having studied anatomy, Stubbs's pictures of horses are among the most accurate ever painted, but his work is lyrical and transcends naturalism.

Stubbs was born in Liverpool, the son of a leather worker, and he spent his early career in the north, painting portraits and developing his interest in anatomy. In the later 1740s he lived in York and supplied the illustrations for a treatise on midwifery. Following a brief visit to Rome in 1754 he settled in Lincolnshire, where he researched his major publication, 'The Anatomy of the Horse'. In about 1758 he moved to London, which remained his base.

Early clients for his sporting and racing paintings included many of the noblemen who founded the Jockey Club. Like Gainsborough, he later painted scenes of peasant life, as well as studies of wild and exotic animals. He also became known as a printmaker and for his paintings in enamel on Wedgwood earthenware plaques.

George Stubbs (1724 - 1806) (2024)

FAQs

What are some fun facts about George Stubbs? ›

Having studied anatomy, Stubbs's pictures of horses are among the most accurate ever painted, but his work is lyrical and transcends naturalism. Stubbs was born in Liverpool, the son of a leather worker, and he spent his early career in the north, painting portraits and developing his interest in anatomy.

Why did Stubbs paint horses? ›

What made Stubbs a great painter of horses was that he really loved horses and cared about them a lot. Have a look at this picture of a grey stallion, Horse In The Shade of a Wood. There is no owner or jockey here, just a horse alone in the landscape. The horse is free, but there is still sadness in its eyes.

What breed of horse was Whistlejacket? ›

As such, Whistlejacket was an Arabian ambassador to the British, a progenitor of the British Thoroughbred and has often been called the “Arabian Thoroughbred.”

What is the most famous horse picture? ›

1. Whistlejacket (1762) by George Stubbs. The first painting we must mention when discussing iconic paintings is The Whistlejacket by the classic artist George Stubbs. He created this artwork in the year 1762 because of the unconditional love he possessed for horses.

Who was the English painter born in 1724? ›

George Stubbs ARA (25 August 1724 – 10 July 1806) was an English painter, best known for his paintings of horses. Self-trained, Stubbs learnt his skills independently from other great artists of the 18th century such as Reynolds and Gainsborough.

Where did George Stubbs live and work? ›

After completing his dissections and drawings, Stubbs came to London about 1758 to find a reproductive engraver; failing in his purpose, he eventually made the plates himself. He had settled on Somerset Street by 1764. During the 1760s Stubbs acquired an immense reputation as a painter.

What animal did George Stubbs paint? ›

Stubbs' horse pictures are among the most accurate ever painted, but his work is also lyrical and transcends naturalism. Stubbs painted many exotic animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and rhinoceroses, which he observed in private menageries.

Where is George Stubbs buried? ›

Stubbs died on 10 July 1806 at his home, 24 Somerset Street, London. He was buried in St Marylebone on 18 July.

What is the real name of the Paint Horse? ›

American Paint Horse
Traits
Distinguishing featuresBroad pinto spotting patterns of white and dark hair
Breed standards
American Paint Horse Association
Equus ferus caballus
3 more rows

Are there actor horses? ›

Many horses have graced the silver screen such as Trigger, Mr. Ed, Black Beauty, Flicka, the unicorns from the 1985 film Legend, and so many more. Horses have been used since the creation of film to work side by side as equal parts actor and partner.

What breed of horse is popcorn? ›

About
InfoDetails
GenderGelding
ColourPalomino
BreedConnemara
OwnerMarianne Mason
3 more rows

Whose horse is Appaloosa? ›

The Nez Perce tribe never regained its former position as breeders of Appaloosas. In the late 20th century, they began a program to develop a new horse breed, the Nez Perce horse, with the intent to resurrect their horse culture, tradition of selective breeding, and horsemanship.

What is the prettiest horse in the world? ›

The 10 Most Beautiful Horse Breeds In The World
  • Appaloosa Horse. ...
  • Friesian Horse. ...
  • Gypsy Vanner. ...
  • Orlov Trotter Horse. ...
  • Black Forest Horse. ...
  • Marwari Horse. ...
  • Clydesdale Horse. ...
  • Percheron Horse. Percheron horses are another group of gentle giants in the horse world.
Aug 29, 2023

Who is the greatest horse ever? ›

1. Secretariat. The top spot couldn't be any other horse than “Big Red” really. Secretariat took the 1973 Triple Crown by storm, sending records tumbling as he ended a 25-year wait for a thoroughbred to achieve this feat in the US.

What horse did Johnny Depp keep? ›

The one-eyed horse was originally set to. be euthanised after production was completed. But. Depp stepped in and adopted Goldeneye after finishing.

Why is there a horse in the nightmare painting? ›

Fuseli may have added the horse as an afterthought, since a preliminary chalk sketch did not include it. Its presence in the painting has been viewed as a visual pun on the word "nightmare" and a self-conscious reference to folklore—the horse destabilises the painting's conceit and contributes to its Gothic tone.

What is the purpose of a Paint Horse? ›

Today, the stock-type conformation, natural intelligence and willing disposition make the American Paint Horse an ideal partner for pleasure riding, showing, ranching, racing, rodeoing, trail riding, or just as a gentle friend for the kids.

Why did Native Americans paint their horses? ›

Paints were given magical properties by the Indians, especially those with “medicine hat” markings. The Native Americans believed these horses could protect them from death or injury during a conflict.

What is the significance of horse painting? ›

In Vastu Shastra, a painting galloping horse can help enhance your luck especially when you are facing any challenges in work or business. Horses signify power, strength, speed, and courage.

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