Artwork
Horses
Horses is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist Paul Sandby. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Paul Sandby's 1750 watercolour, 'Horses', presents a side-by-side depiction of two equines, distinguished by size, colour, and level of detail, with handwritten colour notes along the right edge.
Subject & Meaning
The subject comprises two horses: a larger, darker brown horse with a turned head, robust legs, and textured coat, alongside a smaller, lighter-coloured horse with a saddle, implying potential contrasting states of preparedness or purpose.
Technique & Style
Executed with quick, loose brushstrokes, the piece contrasts detailed rendering of the brown horse with lighter, sketchier lines for the smaller horse, suggesting an exploration of capturing movement and form.
History & Provenance
Created in 1750 by Paul Sandby, a prominent figure in British watercolour, this work is characteristic of his animal studies, with the handwritten colour notes reflecting his meticulous approach.
Context
This watercolour fits within Sandby's broader practice of sketching animals, often for study or practice, highlighting his interest in capturing the natural world through watercolour.
Legacy
As part of Sandby's oeuvre, 'Horses' contributes to the development of British watercolour traditions, particularly in the depiction of everyday and natural subjects with precision and expressive brushwork.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Sandby, (1731 – 7 November 1809) was an English mapmaker and painter who specialised in landscape art. Along with his older brother Thomas Sandby, he was one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in 1768.
