The first ever exhibition dedicated to George Stubbs’s equestrian art opens at the National Gallery later this month, but with very little reference to hunting.
“Stubbs and the Horse” includes several paintings of hunters, but none of his famous hunting scenes — or those of hunt staff with hounds — will go on show. The significance of this, in the first major exhibition of the revered artist’s work in 20 years, is remarked upon in this week’s edition of Country Life.
Horse & Hound’s sister title also pays tribute this week to the artist by recreating, through photography, modern interpretations of the scenes Stubbs painted, including one of Stubbs’s most famous hunting scenes (not part of the exhibition): The Duke of Richmond with the Charlton Hunt, dated 1759-60 (pictured below).
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
In its “re-enactment” (below), the magazine shows members of the Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray hunt, whose West Sussex country covers much of that which once belonged the Charlton.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“Stubbs and the Horse” runs from 29 June until 25 September at the National Gallery. For more information and to book tickets (tel: 0870 9063891) or visit: www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Country Life, and its tribute to the exhibition, goes on sale today (2 June).
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (2 June, ’05)
