George Stubbs 25th August, 1724 - 10th July, 1806

George Stubbs was sporting painter who studied anatomy. His pictures of horses are among the most accurate ever painted, and these paintings are how he is best remembered.

Stubbs was born in Liverpool, and he spent his early career in the north, where he painted portraits and developed his interest in anatomy. In 1766 he published a collection of drawings in "The Anatomy of the Horse" which now belong to the Royal Academy.

Even before his book was published, his work was being recognised by leading aristocratic patrons and various Dukes and Lords were soon commissioning large pieces from him and his career was secured. He was soon able to buy a house in Marylebone where he stayed for the rest of his life.

His most famous painting is "Whistlejacket" which breaks convention as it doesn't have a background - but this only amplifies the character and movement in the horse. Although he painted a lot of horses, he also did studies of more exotic animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, and rhinoceroses, which he was able to observe in private menageries. His study of a kangaroo was the first glimpse of this animal for many Britons which drew his work to the attention of the general public.

He later worked with painting on enamel and producing engravings - a skill which he passed on to his son George Townly Stubbs.