George Stubbs, A.R.A. (British, 1724-1806) (after)
Benjamin Green (engraver)
Horse Startled by Lion
London: 1762
Black-and-white mezzotint
16 x 20 inches, overall
$3,800

This portrait of a horse startled by a lion was originally rendered by the preeminent British horse artist of the 18th century, George Stubbs, and engraved by the British mezzotinter Benjamin Green, also known for his portraits of famous Americans. From the early 1760s to the 1790s, Stubbs frequently returned to the theme of horses fighting and horses threatened by wild animals. To him, this represented the powerful and elemental emotions inspired by the natural world, both frightening and sublime.

George Stubbs, an eminent animal painter, engraver and painter in enamel, combined science and art by painting his subjects with anatomical precision. He did extensive studies of horse anatomy to prepare himself as the premier artist of equine life.   In his early twenties, Stubbs studied anatomy under a surgeon in York, and drew dissections for doctors.  After a visit to Rome and a period of residence in Liverpool, he made his way to London in 1760.  In 1766, he published his monumental series of engravings, Anatomy of the Horse, which cemented his reputation as a master of the subject.  His vast range of paintings include the prize horses of England of the late 18th century, often with their proud owners or trainers, as well as other animals such as lions, sometimes shown in natural settings with horses. Stubbs served as president of the Society of Artists in 1773 and although he had his quarrels with the Royal Academy, he apparently was made an Associate.  His works are in the world’s major museums, with a large number represented in the Yale Center for British Art (Paul Mellon Collection).  The greatest engravers and printers of the day were engaged to render numerous Stubbs horse pictures as prints, including his own son, the printmaker George Townly Stubbs (sometimes spelled “Townley”).

References:

Maxted, Ian. "The London book trades 1775-1800: a preliminary checklist of members." Exeter Working Papers in British Book Trade History.  U.K.: Devon Library and Information Services. 24 January 2005.  http://www.devon.gov.uk/library/locstudy/bookhist/lonn.html (Orme) (6 April 2005).

Williamson, George C., ed. Bryan's Dictionary of Painters and Engravers.  London: G. Bell and Sons: 1930.  Vol. 5, pp. 139-140 (Stubbs).