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The bucking gray by Philips Wouwerman

Philips Wouwerman · 1650-01-01

Philips Wouwerman, a prolific Dutch Golden Age painter, was renowned for his dynamic outdoor scenes, often featuring spirited horses. In "The Bucking Gray," painted around 1650 and held at the Rijksmuseum, we see one such powerful animal in action.

Wouwerman's signature often included a white or gray horse, like the one bucking wildly in this painting. While these animals became a hallmark of his style, they sometimes caused a stir among his patrons. Contemporary accounts suggest some found his painted horses too untamed, perhaps reflecting a desire for more placid depictions in their homes.

Despite (or perhaps because of) this, Wouwerman's work, including his equestrian scenes, significantly contributed to the Dutch landscape tradition. He was a member of the Haarlem Guild of St. Luke and his skill in rendering movement and light is evident in works like this.

What do you make of this painter's signature touch?

Details

He often included a white or gray horse in his work.
He often included a white or gray horse in his work.
But sometimes, these horses created problems for his patrons.
But sometimes, these horses created problems for his patrons.
Patrons found these horses difficult to tame and ride, even in paint.
Patrons found these horses difficult to tame and ride, even in paint.
The dark, textured bark and leaves create a dramatic, almost claustrophobic atmosphere.
The dark, textured bark and leaves create a dramatic, almost claustrophobic atmosphere.
The interplay of light and shadow in the sky adds to the overall mood and dynamism of the painting.
The interplay of light and shadow in the sky adds to the overall mood and dynamism of the painting.
Transcript

This painter was known for his dynamic outdoor scenes. He often included a white or gray horse in his work. But sometimes, these horses created problems for his patrons. Patrons found these horses difficult to tame and ride, even in paint. They felt his horses were too wild for respectable Dutch homes. Yet, these spirited animals became his artistic signature.