A Horse Affrighted At A Lion
Technique: Giclée quality print
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This painting, titled *A Horse Affrighted At A Lion* by George Stubbs, portrays a dramatic encounter between a white horse and a lion. The scene captures a moment of intense emotion and power struggle between these two majestic creatures.The horse, depicted in a stark white hue, is rearing back on its hind legs in apparent terror, its eyes wide open and its nostrils flared, accentuating its fear. The mane and tail are wildly tossed about, adding to the sense of urgency and alarm that the horse experiences. The horse's muscles are tensed, beautifully illustrating not only the animal's physical response to fear but also Stubbs' skill in rendering anatomical details realistically.To the side, the lion appears somewhat peaceful yet alert, crouching close to the ground with its gaze fixed on the horse. Its expression and posture suggest readiness but not immediate aggression, providing a stark contrast to the frenzied state of the horse. The lion's position in the shade, also detailed with texture in its mane and the subtle intricacies of its face, emphasizes its menacing presence.The background and setting of the encounter are relatively dark and subdued, mainly focusing viewers' attention on the interaction between the two animals.
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George Stubbs (25 August 1724 – 10 July 1806) was an English painter, best known for his paintings of horses. Self-trained, Stubbs learnt his skills independently from other great artists of the 18th century such as Reynolds and Gainsborough. Stubbs' output includes history paintings, but his greatest skill was in painting animals, perhaps influenced by his love and study of anatomy. His series of paintings on the theme of a lion attacking a horse are early and significant examples of the Romantic movement that emerged in the late 18th century. He enjoyed royal patronage. His painting, Whistlejacket hangs in the National Gallery, London.