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Lion Attacking a Horse

Witness the dramatic 'Lion Attacking a Horse' by George Stubbs! This iconic 1762 masterpiece captures raw power & terror, showcasing anatomical detail and a pivotal moment in art history.

George Stubbs (1724-1806): Celebrated English painter renowned for his anatomical accuracy & masterful depictions of horses. Pioneer of Romanticism, famous for 'Whistlejacket'. Explore his equine art & legacy.

Giclée / Art Print

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Total Price

$ 81

Lion Attacking a Horse

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Subject or theme: Animal combat
  • Title: Lion Attacking a Horse

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary subject matter depicted in the painting?
Question 2:
Which artist is credited with creating this work, based on the provided information?
Question 3:
What year is the painting dated to?
Question 4:
Besides the lion and horse, what other animals are visible in the scene?
Question 5:
George Stubbs's artistic passion, which influenced his work, was particularly focused on:

The Physical Encounter

In this oil on canvas painting from 1762, a lion and a horse are locked in a physical struggle. The horse is positioned on the left side of the frame with its head lowered toward the ground. A lion sits atop the equine's back, sinking its claws into the animal's skin and biting into the neck area. The musculature of both animals is rendered with anatomical precision, showing the tension in the horse's flanks and the weight of the predator's limbs. In the background, a landscape unfolds featuring rocky terrain, a shore, and various trees including stunted oaks and palms. A dog stands to the right of the horse in the distance. The lighting creates deep shadows across the scene, highlighting the texture of the lion's mane and the sheen of sweat on the horse's coat.

Anatomical Detail and Movement

The technique relies on a meticulous study of biological form. Every ripple of muscle and every tensed tendon is visible under the brushwork. This level of detail stems from an intensive period of anatomical dissection conducted by the artist. The composition captures specific points of motion, such as the horse's unsteady back leg and the flailing hair of its mane. The lion's posture shows the muscular effort required to maintain its position on the moving prey. Through the use of light and shadow, the textures of bone, fur, and skin are differentiated clearly. This approach connects the scientific observation of the Enlightenment with the emerging themes of the Romantic movement.

Historical and Symbolic Context

This work belongs to a series of seventeen paintings produced by George Stubbs that explore the theme of a horse being attacked by a lion. The imagery draws from classical traditions, specifically inspired by ancient Roman marble sculptures. While the subject involves wild animals, it was commissioned by the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham for his London residence. The encounter between the predator and the prey can be viewed as an allegory of civilization encountering barbarism or the struggle between ferocity and beauty. The painting sits within a period where artists began to use large-scale animal subjects to address the concept of the sublime, a state of being moved by terror and awe when observing uncontrollable natural forces from a distance.

Questions & Answers

Is "Lion Attacking a Horse" by George Stubbs among the sought-after Romanticism artworks?

"Lion Attacking a Horse" by George Stubbs is classified as iconic and belongs to the Romanticism movement.

What underlying hue runs through "Lion Attacking a Horse" by George Stubbs?

"Lion Attacking a Horse" leans toward an ochre to sepia tone.

Is "Lion Attacking a Horse" free of copyright?

Regarding copyright, "Lion Attacking a Horse" is in the public domain - its copyright has expired.


Artist Biography

early life and training

george stubbs, a renowned english painter, was born on august 25, 1724, in liverpool, united kingdom. his early life was marked by a sparse record of his activities until the age of 35, with most information sourced from ozias humphry's memoirs, based on conversations with stubbs in 1794. stubbs began his artistic journey at the age of 15, initially working under his father, a currier or leather-dresser. he later approached hamlet winstanley, a lancashire painter and engraver, for a brief apprenticeship. this short stint allowed him to study the collection at knowsley hall.

artistic development and notable works

stubbs's passion for anatomy led him to move to york in 1744, where he studied under surgeon charles atkinson at york county hospital. one of his earliest surviving works is a set of illustrations for john burton's textbook on midwifery, published in 1751. in 1756, stubbs rented a farmhouse in lincolnshire and spent 18 months dissecting horses, assisted by his common-law wife, mary spencer. this led to the publication of the anatomy of the horse in 1766, with original drawings now housed at the royal academy. stubbs's work was soon recognized by leading aristocratic patrons, including the 3rd duke of richmond, who commissioned three large pictures in 1759. this marked the beginning of his successful career, with works produced for several dukes and lords, culminating in the purchase of a house in marylebone, london.

legacy and notable paintings

stubbs's most famous work, whistlejacket, a painting of a prancing horse commissioned by the 2nd marquess of rockingham, is now housed at the national gallery in london. this and two other paintings for rockingham break with convention, featuring plain backgrounds.
  • whistlejacket, a thoroughbred race horse rising on his hind legs, showcases stubbs's unparalleled skill in capturing the essence of horses.
  • stubbs's series of paintings on a lion attacking a horse are early examples of the romantic movement, demonstrating his influence on 18th-century art.
stubbs's legacy as an equine artist remains unmatched, with his works continuing to inspire and awe art enthusiasts worldwide.
George Stubbs

George Stubbs

1724 - 1806 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: George Stubbs
  • Nationality: British
  • Date Of Birth: 1724
  • Date Of Death: 1806
  • Place Of Birth: Liverpool, United Kingdom
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Whistlejacket
    • Lion & Horse
    • A Lion and Tiger
  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Romanticism, Equine Art
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Hamlet Winstanley']
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Joshua Reynolds']
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