Art Collections Online
Fighting Horses
WARD, James (1769 - 1859)
Date: 1808
Media: oil on canvas
Size: 100.3 x 135.9 cm
Acquired: 1971; Purchase
Accession Number: NMW A 468
In 1803 Ward saw A View of the Château de Steen by Rubens, then the property of Sir George Beaumont. In the pictures such as this, shown at the Royal Academy in 1808, he emulated the fluid, expressive technique of the Flemish master. Unlike Rubens, he was fascinated by the ferocity of horses fighting - a classical theme revived in the Renaissance and most recently treated by George Stubbs. Here the stallions represent unbridled passion and natural instinct.
Comments - (2)
The last time I saw this painting was late 1960s, It was hanging in the Flying Horse hotel
NOTTINGHAM. I was delighted to see it again
Bob Madden