Horse and donkey
1850
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1850
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
Horse and donkey is a 1850 oil by James Ward, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a white horse and a brown donkey standing close together. The horse’s head dips down to nuzzle the donkey’s neck. The background is a stormy sky with dark clouds. Ward often painted animals in dramatic moments like this. He worked fast, using thick paint to make the fur and muscles stand out. His style was bold and emotional, not careful or polished. His scenes feel alive. Look for Ward’s other animal paintings at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
