Whistlejacket, about 1762
Whistlejacket, the second Marquess of Rockingham’s prize racehorse, is presented full-size and rearing in the levade position usually used in equestrian portraits of military commanders. A specialist horse painter, Stubbs deliberately depicted Whistleiacket without a rider against a blank backdrop, making the viewer focus solely on the majestic beauty and unrestrained power of the Arabian stallion. George Stubbs (1724-1806) #london#history#art#painting#paintings#fashion