'Hambletonian' Beating 'Diamond' (after George Stubbs)

Hambletonian draws just clear of Diamond in the last strides of their four-mile match, Ward reworking Stubbs's subject at the moment of the race itself. The 1799 match between these two was one of the most punishing and most argued-over contests the turf ever ran; Stubbs painted the horse rubbed down afterward, Ward chose the race still in progress. the visible strain through Hambletonian's neck and jaw, a horse painted at the very edge of what he had left. Some races are still being run in paint.

Maker

James Ward after George Stubbs, oil on canvas

Date

early 19th c.

Medium of the original

Painting

Original held by

National Trust

Credit

National Trust

Rights

Cleared for print

Catalogue number

PA-00080