Lion Devouring a Horse

Artist

George Stubbs

Born in Liverpool, United Kingdom

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.

view stubbs's artwork at https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/george_stubbs

explore the national gallery in london's collection, featuring stubbs's notable works, at /en/art/show/art-8xyffg-en/

learn more about stubbs's life and work on wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/george_stubbs

Museum

Tate Gallery

On show in London, United Kingdom

A Presence Along the Thames

The Tate Gallery sits along the gentle curve of the Thames in Millbank, London. The architecture presents a layered narrative where neoclassical grandeur meets postmodern experimentation. Sidney R. J. Smith’s original design features imposing columns and expansive porticos that suggest an air of imperial ambition. This classical facade finds a sharp contrast in James Stirling’s Clore Gallery, which introduces unconventional materials and spatial arrangements into the landscape. The building itself reflects a tension between honoring tradition and embracing new intellectual curiosities.

Walking through these halls, one moves from the heavy, historical weight of the original structures toward the daring interventions of later decades. The light shifts as you transition between the soaring ceilings of the older wings and the more experimental spaces. It is a place where the physical environment mirrors the evolution of the art it holds.

The British Collection

The collection spans over six centuries of British expression, moving from the meticulous panel paintings of the Tudor period to the emotionally charged portraits of the twentieth century. The museum holds significant works by J.M.W. Turner, including

Snow Storm – Steamers on Red Wharf

, which demonstrates a revolutionary approach to light and color. These landscapes capture a sense of movement and drama through precise brushwork.

Other notable pieces within the galleries include:

The evocative Pre-Raphaelite paintings that focus on mythology and romanticism.

David Hockney's works reflecting the dynamism of post-war Britain.

Salvador Dalí’s

Cannibalism in Autumn

, a work born from the anxieties of the Spanish Civil War.

Georges Braque’s

Mandola

, a 1910 piece that utilizes fractured planes and muted ochre tones to deconstruct form.

Camille Pissarro’s

The Pork Butcher

, an Impressionist depiction of a Parisian market stall from 1883.

The museum also houses the works of Francis Bacon and various sculptures, prints, and decorative arts. The presence of the Turner Prize exhibitions brings a focus on contemporary British achievement to the halls, connecting the historical holdings with the current artistic dialogue.