A Memoir of George Stubbs

George Stubbs (1724-1806) was one of Britain’s most original artists, and he transformed nature painting. His dedication to accuracy caused him to spend 18 solitary months dissecting and drawing horses for The Anatomy of the Horse, a landmark in anatomy used by artists and scientists long after his death. His portraits of both people and horses combine an unflinchingly accurate gaze with profound psychological truth; yet he also created some of the age’s most lyrical paintings.

Ozias Humphry, a colleague and friend, recorded many conversations with Stubbs. His manuscript was edited in 1876 by Liverpudlian patron and historian Joseph Mayer, for private circulation only. It was never otherwise issued, and this edition is the Memoir’s first publication.

An introduction by leading expert Anthony Mould discusses Stubbs’ career and reputation and Humphrys’ and Mayer’s work. Thirty-six pages of color illustrations cover the span of Stubbs’ output.

First issued in 2005, the Memoir has now been entirely reset, and updated to include recent scholarship.