Artwork

Firetail with his Trainer by the Rubbing-Down House on Newmarket Heath

Firetail with his Trainer by the Rubbing-Down House on Newmarket Heath is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist George Stubbs. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the South African National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

George Stubbs painted 'Firetail with his Trainer by the Rubbing-Down House on Newmarket Heath' in 1773, showcasing his expertise in depicting animals with precision and elegance.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features a brown horse with a white blaze and its trainer standing beside it, near a training facility on Newmarket Heath, a renowned horse-racing location. The calm interaction between the horse and trainer conveys a sense of serenity.

Technique & Style

Stubbs employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality in the scene. The work exemplifies the Rococo style, characterized by a lighter and more decorative approach, evident in the refined rendering of the horse and its surroundings.

Context

The painting is set on Newmarket Heath, a prominent center for horse racing in England during the 18th century, highlighting Stubbs' focus on capturing the world of horses and their handlers.