George Stubbs

AugGeorge Stubbs was born on August 25, 1724, in Liverpool, England.¹

Stubbs was largely self-taught, developing his skills independently of contemporaries like Joshua Reynolds after a very brief apprenticeship.²

From 1745, Stubbs studied human anatomy under a surgeon in York and produced illustrations for a midwifery textbook, integrating science into art.²

Stubbs visited Italy in 1754, later stating his motive was to convince himself that nature is always superior to Greek or Roman art.²

Starting in 1756, Stubbs spent 18 months dissecting horses in a rented farmhouse, a rigorous study that formed the basis for his unparalleled realism.²

In 1756, Stubbs dissected horses in Lincolnshire, research that led to his major publication, 'The Anatomy of the Horse'.³

Around 1758, he moved to London, which remained his base.³

In 1759, the Duke of Richmond commissioned three large pictures from Stubbs, securing his career.¹

His series of a lion attacking a horse expressed passion and terror, prefiguring Romanticism and influencing later artists like Géricault.²

In his masterpiece 'Whistlejacket,' Stubbs broke convention by using a plain background to emphasize the horse's powerful and sculptural beauty.²

The publication of 'The Anatomy of the Horse' in 1766 shocked aristocratic patrons and established Stubbs as a scientific explorer of form.²

In the 1770s, Stubbs collaborated with Josiah Wedgwood to create paintings on large enamel panels, demonstrating his pursuit of technical innovation.²

In his later years, Stubbs enjoyed the patronage of the Prince of Wales, maintaining high regard from royalty and aristocracy throughout his life.²

JulGeorge Stubbs died on July 10, 1806, at the age of 81.¹