Dated: 07/01/2008
Press Release
26 April 31 August 2008
One of the most iconic paintings in British art is heading to York for the first time ever next year.
Whistlejacket, a life size oil painting of a racehorse by George Stubbs, has been lent to York Art Gallery by the National Gallery and will be the centre piece in the exhibition Stubbs and Whistlejacket in York.
The exhibition, including other significant Stubbs's works, will coincide with the racing season at York Racecourse, where Whistlejacket won his most famous race nearly 250 years ago.
Stubbs spent many years living in York, even marrying in the city. The exhibition will also include works that show York and the racecourse as it would have been in the time Stubbs lived there.
Caroline Worthington, curator of art, said: "You can't help but be inspired by Whistlejacket; its shear size and Stubbs's brilliant attention to detail sets it aside as one of the most special works by a British artist.
"We are delighted that it is coming to York, the city where Whistlejacket made his name, especially during racing season. The piece on its own is magnificent, but together with the other works from our collection and loans from the likes of the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy, the exhibition will be very special indeed."
Whistlejacket was foaled in 1749 and became well known after his victory in York. Stubbs's huge picture was painted in about 1762 for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, Whistlejacket's owner and a great patron of Stubbs. According to some writers of the period the original intention was to commission an equestrian portrait of George III, but it is more likely that Stubbs always intended to show the horse alone rearing up against a neutral background. It is likely that Rockingham paid 60 guineas for the portrait.
Stubbs has become known as one of the best equestrian painters of his day. Initially looked down upon by the art establishment, he soon developed a name for himself amongst the racing community and beyond. In 1758 he sold his first commission to fellow artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, with Rockingham and his social circle soon becoming ambassadors for his work. Fame was assured.
A number of oil paintings by Stubbs will be included in the exhibition, including Fighting Stallions from the British Sporting Art Trust, Gimcrack from the Halifax Collection and A Favourite Horse of the 5th Earl of Carlisle, from Castle Howard.
As well as his commissioned work Stubbs also created some of the most accurate equestrian anatomy drawings ever produced for his book The Anatomy of the Horse, published in 1766. Some of these original drawings will be going on show in the exhibition thanks to a generous loan from The Royal Academy, London.
ENDS