Horse Devoured by a Lion
1763
oil
From the collection of Tate
1763
oil
From the collection of Tate
Horse Devoured by a Lion is a 1763 oil by George Stubbs, a Neoclassicism work, depicting horse, held at Tate.
This painting depicts a dramatic scene of a lion attacking a horse. The horse, with its golden coat and flowing mane, appears to be rearing up in a desperate attempt to defend itself against the lion's attack. The lion, its fur a deep, rich brown, has its jaws open wide as it bites down on the horse's neck. In the background, a rocky landscape stretches out, with trees and bushes scattered about. The sky above is a soft, serene blue, a stark contrast to the violence unfolding in the foreground. The use of chiaroscuro in this painting creates a sense of depth and drama, drawing the viewer's eye to the central struggle between the horse and the lion.
