Who painted Goose with Outspread Wings?

Goose with Outspread Wings was painted by George Stubbs in 1774.

Where can I see Goose with Outspread Wings?

Goose with Outspread Wings is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Goose with Outspread Wings

Goose with Outspread Wings is an oil painting by George Stubbs. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created circa 1774, this oil painting portrays a goose captured in mid‑flight, its wings fully extended and body angled downward.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1774, this oil painting portrays a goose captured in mid‑flight, its wings fully extended and body angled downward. The bird dominates a darkened backdrop, its plumage rendered in a delicate blend of whites and browns, while the open beak and tucked legs suggest imminent motion, either landing or taking off.

Subject & Meaning

The work exemplifies the artist’s fascination with the anatomy and behavior of animals, presenting the goose not as a mere decorative motif but as a study of natural vigor. By isolating the bird against a muted background, the composition emphasizes the creature’s form and kinetic energy, inviting contemplation of avian physiology and the fleeting moment of flight.

Technique & Style

Employing soft, feathery brushwork, the painter achieves a nuanced texture that differentiates the goose’s feathers from the surrounding darkness.

Employing soft, feathery brushwork, the painter achieves a nuanced texture that differentiates the goose’s feathers from the surrounding darkness. Strategic contrasts of light and shadow—chiaroscuro—lend the figure three‑dimensionality, while the limited color palette focuses attention on the bird’s anatomy. The approach reflects a meticulous observational method typical of the artist’s animal studies.

History & Provenance

The canvas originates from the late eighteenth‑century output of an English artist renowned for his animal depictions. Although the painter operated largely independently, his practice was contemporaneous with leading portraitists such as Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough, whose broader artistic climate informed the period’s visual standards.