The Grand National is coming up at the beginning of April, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch all of the races from the event.
Horses are magnificent creatures, and aside from being amazing racers, they’ve also acted as a source of inspiration for artists throughout the ages.
In anticipation of The Grand National, in today’s article, we’re going to be looking back at some of our favourite equestrian art, as well as some of our own Art2Arts artists who have been inspired by majestic horses.
What is equestrian art?
Equestrian art has been around for a long time. You only have to walk around any art museum to be faced with beautiful horse-inspired paintings from centuries ago.
From being used during medieval wars to today’s racehorses, they’ve constantly been the subject and muse of many artworks
Early equestrian art usually centred around noblemen and monarchs who were pictured atop their horses as a display of power and might. Their horses would normally be painted standing still, or balanced on their hind legs.
As this form of art evolved, horses started to be displayed in many other ways. From running through fields, grazing in lush grass, or gathering speed on a racecourse.
The first sporting artist
Working in the 18th Century, George Stubbs is considered to be one of the first artists to paint sporting horses.
His detailed drawings of horses have gone on to aid many other artists in their depictions of equestrian animals, right up until the present day.
Equestrian art at Art2Arts
Many of our talented artists at Art2Arts have continued to be inspired by horses, and have created countless incredible works of art that we think would be perfect in any home.
If you’re looking to embrace The Grand National and bring in some horse-inspired art into your home, here are two of our favourite pieces.
Bollihope by Brian Halton
This pastel study of a racehorse called Ballihope pictures the horse just after it finished a race at Ripon and is an essential piece for anyone interested in horse racing.
Ballihope by Brian Halton
Art Nouveau Party Horse by Gill Bustamante
If you want a fun, abstract piece to display in your home, Art Nouveau Party Horse may be the perfect addition to your space.
Featuring the image of a playful horse alongside bold abstract colours and strokes, this is a conversation starter that will become the centrepiece of any room you put it in.
Art Nouveau Party Horse by Gill Bustamante
