The Use of Scientific Discovery in the Development
of Equine Art

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Abby Risius.
Dr. Charlie Apter, Dr. Julia DeLancey (Art History) and Dr. Susan Guffey, Faculty
Mentors.

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In a manner similar to Leonardo da Vinci, George Stubbs used scientific research in the eighteenth century to enhance the realism of his equine art. Stubbs performed numerous dissections of horse cadavers to increase his understanding of the anatomy of the horse. He compiled engravings of these dissections in his book, “The Anatomy of the Horse” which was published in 1766 and contained 24 engraved plates resulting from eight years of study. Stubbs’ thorough scientific investigation of equine anatomy is evident in his artwork.