Question

Which 18th century self-taught Liverpudlian, who studied human anatomy and spent 18 months dissecting horses, is best known for his paintings of horses (such as "Whistlejacket"), sometimes accompanied by hounds, and of animals such as lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, and rhinoceroses?

Answer 1

George Stubbs
George Stubbs, arguably the best British painter of horses and animals, was considered in his own day to be second class. Equestrian art, which was included within the genre of 'sporting art', was looked down upon by the critics and connoisseurs. However, in the 20th century his reputation was re-assessed to establish him as one of the greatest masters of the 18th century. His subjects may reflect the romantic idealism of their age but they are lifted above the sentimental by their skilful composition and intense observation.