Get ready for a truly monumental moment in art! Next spring, a breathtaking, life-size painting of a rearing horse by the legendary George Stubbs (1724–1806) will go on display in a brand-new exhibition at the National Gallery. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
The painting, Scrub, a bay horse belonging to the Marquess of Rockingham (about 1762), is the only life-size horse portrait by Stubbs still in a private collection. It has only been seen on public display once before, making this a rare and exciting opportunity for art lovers. The exhibition will also feature other stunning paintings and works on paper by Stubbs, offering a deep dive into the artist’s incredible talent.
Latest new about the National Gallery you need to know…
A Tale of Two Horses
One of the most thrilling parts of this exhibition is the chance to compare Scrub with another of Stubbs’s absolute masterpieces, Whistlejacket (about 1762). Whistlejacket is a jewel in the National Gallery’s collection and will be on display nearby in Room 34. What makes this so special? Both of these magnificent equine portraits were painted in the same year for the same man: the Marquess of Rockingham (1730–82), who owned both of these former racehorses.
These two paintings were revolutionary. They are the first large, life-size portraits of horses depicted without a rider in British art. Through his keen observation and groundbreaking anatomical studies, Stubbs completely changed equine painting for generations to come. This exhibition will shine a light on the creation of Scrub and place it in the context of two other significant projects that defined Stubbs’s career. Interestingly, while the Marquess commissioned both paintings, he would ultimately decide not to purchase the portrait of Scrub.
The Man Who Knew Horses Inside and Out
So, how did Stubbs become such a master? His journey began with a truly extraordinary project that established his career as an animal painter. Between 1756 and 1758, Stubbs spent 18 months in a remote barn in Horkstow, Lincolnshire, doing something unheard of: meticulously dissecting and studying the anatomy of horses.
He carefully removed layers of skin and muscle, recording every minute detail as he went. This was the most thorough study undertaken on the anatomy of horses for almost a hundred years, resulting in the most detailed images of the subject ever recorded in Britain. This deep understanding of what lies beneath the surface is what gives his paintings their incredible accuracy and life.
A Career Defined by the Turf
Later in his career, Stubbs embarked on a second major project introduced in the exhibition, The Turf Review. This reflects just how closely he had become associated with painting racehorses. In 1790, an anonymous patron approached Stubbs to create a series of portraits celebrating the last 50 years of horse racing. Many of these would be copies of his earlier work, while others were new creations.
Thanks to his tireless efforts, Stubbs’s pictures of horses are among the most accurate ever painted. But he was more than just a scientific illustrator! He took artistic license in his finished works to capture the individual character and spirit of each horse, creating powerful and impactful paintings that go far beyond pure naturalism. It was this unique blend of science and soul that brought him great renown and a successful career.
As Mary McMahon, Associate Curator (NG200 Collections), puts it, “Stubbs fundamentally changed the approach to depicting the horse in late 18th-century British art, combining his hard-earned knowledge and understanding of their anatomy with a desire to capture a distinct individual character.”
This exhibition is a fantastic chance to see the work of a true master and learn more about his profound impact on the art world. Discover more about what’s on at the National Gallery and plan your visit!
For more information, visit nationalgallery.org.uk