(attr.to) Stubbs, George Paintings

George Stubbs was an English painter, best known for his paintings of horses. Born on August 25, 1724, in Liverpool, England, Stubbs was the son of a leather merchant. He showed an early interest in art, teaching himself to draw and later studying anatomy to improve his skills in depicting the animal form. Stubbs's fascination with anatomy led him to spend 18 months dissecting horses, a study that culminated in the publication of 'The Anatomy of the Horse' in 1766. This work, containing detailed engravings, established Stubbs as a leading authority on equine anatomy and greatly influenced his artistry.

Stubbs's paintings are renowned for their meticulous detail, vivid realism, and sensitive portrayal of horses. He captured not just the physical beauty and grace of these animals but also their individual character and spirit, setting a new standard for equine art. Unlike his contemporaries, who often relied on assistants to paint the less important parts of their works, Stubbs painted all parts of his canvases himself, contributing to the uniform excellence and detail of his works.

Beyond horses, Stubbs also painted a wide range of subjects, including exotic animals, portraits, and rural scenes, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His work 'Whistlejacket' (1762), a life-size portrayal of a racehorse, is among his most famous pieces and exemplifies his innovative approach to animal painting, presenting the horse against a plain background to focus entirely on its form and anatomy.

Though highly respected today, Stubbs was somewhat outside the mainstream art world of his time. He was never an official member of the Royal Academy, though he exhibited there. His work, however, was sought after by the nobility and by horse breeders, who appreciated his ability to capture the elegance and strength of the thoroughbred horse.

George Stubbs continued to paint until his death on July 10, 1806, in London. His legacy is that of a pioneer in animal painting, whose scientific approach to the study of horse anatomy and his artistic mastery combined to create works that remain unmatched in their realism and vitality. Stubbs's influence extends beyond the world of art; his anatomical studies contributed to the understanding of equine physiology, and his paintings continue to fascinate not just art lovers but also horse enthusiasts and experts in the field.