The artwork entitled “Mares and foals are anxious before a looming storm” was executed by the artist George Stubbs between 1764 and 1765. Utilizing oil on canvas as his medium, Stubbs crafted this piece within the Romanticism movement. Measuring 99 x 188 cm, this animal painting effectively captures the evocative essence of Romanticism through its depiction of the natural world and its inhabitants.
In the artwork, a sense of anxiety is palpable amongst a group of mares and foals, set against the backdrop of an impending storm. Transporting viewers into a serene yet charged rural landscape, Stubbs delicately renders each horse’s musculature and posture, emphasizing their alertness and apprehension. The sky, infused with ominous clouds, casts a dramatic tension over the scene, highlighting the animals’ unease. The composition masterfully balances tranquility and tension, reflecting the Romantic fascination with nature’s sublime and powerful forces.
