George Stubbs
August 25, 1724 – July 10, 1806
A self-portrait by George Stubbs
I chose to research George Stubbs because of his clear fascinations of painting horses and various animals. I found it to be a very interesting motif which contrasted against many of the artists of this time. His passion for anatomy clearly shines through his work, in the contours of each muscle and structure of the horses. It was stated that Stubbs had moved to York to study anatomy under Charles Atkinson in the York County Hospital. He also spent months dissecting horses in his own farm to truly understand the anatomy of the horse inside and out.
George Stubbs: Horse Attacked by a Lion, ca.1762
Painting of a kangaroo, 1772
Personally, I enjoy more of the fact that he has explored various new subjects in comparison to the other artists of his time, especially of beautiful horses. However, I find that his paintings come off as too dull and quiet for scenes of such majestic creatures. Seemingly, it does appear that many artists of this time had created paintings with similar tones and lightness.
Lion Attacking a Horse
Mares and Foals in a Landscape, 1763–1768.
Abi,
Nice writing on both Steen and Stubbs. I agree with you about the flurry of activity and motion in Steen’s crowded scenes are especially appealing. Stubbs is also an interesting artist and seems a bit more on the margines to the more well known painters of the Romantic period because of his fixation on horses and animal life.
Like you have feelings and opinions about the work in both as well.
Jeff