This specially commissioned oil painting interprets "Mares and Foals in a River Landscape" in the style of George Stubbs. The original, created between 1763 and 1768, belongs to a series of paintings Stubbs produced primarily between 1760 and 1769. These works are accurate portraits of specific mares, celebrated either for their racing success or as the dams of successful racehorses.

Stubbs's naturalistic style stems from his meticulous observation of living animals and his anatomical studies. Published in "The Anatomy of the Horse" in 1766. His keen eye for detail and profound understanding of equine anatomy brings a lifelike quality to his paintings.

During the 1760s and 1770s, Stubbs exhibited several pictures of mares and foals at the Society of Artists and the Royal Academy. These exhibitions offered patrons the chance to commission similar works featuring their own prized animals. This composition adapts an earlier work, initially without a background. Given Stubbs's prolific output in the 1760s, reusing successful compositions was common.

Interestingly, the patron who commissioned this piece, possibly Viscount Midleton, did not have any of his own horses depicted. It is likely that he admired the subject matter but did not possess any broodmares. This painting not only showcases George Stubbs's artistic brilliance but also highlights the pastoral beauty and equine elegance characteristic of his work.

• Oil on Canvas.
• Mares and Foals in a River Landscape in style of George Stubbs.
• Bespoke Handmade Frame.

Width: 108 cm  |  Depth: 4 cm  |  Height: 78 cm

Item code: OP403-DUTCHPRIM35