George Townly Stubbs after Sir George Stubbs

Baronet

20 x 15.75 inches

Etching and stipple engraving by George Townly Stubbs after the painting by his uncle, George Stubbs; published in London in 1817.

Baronet was foaled in 1785 and bred by Lord Sherborne who sold him to Sir Walter Vavasour who, in turn, sold him to the Prince of Wales. He began his racing career in 1789 and achieved huge acclaim two years later when, in 1791, he romped home to win the 2000 Guinea Oatland Stakes. By this time he was in the ownership of the prince who allegedly won in excess of £17,000 in bets, a vast (and profoundly useful) fortune for somebody who was as profligate as the Prince of Wales! Baronet proceeded to win all his other races that year including The King's Plates at Windsor, Lewes, Canterbury and Newmarket. Little wonder that the future King George IV was eager to have a portrait by George Stubbs, the most fashionable equestrian artist of the day. In this study Baronet is ridden by the prince's jockey, Samuel Chifney.

George Stubbs (1724-1806) is one of the foremost equestrian artists of his generation. The aristocracy commissioned him to paint their racehorses and, through social connection and immense talent, his reputation grew.

This is the third state of the plate republished by Edward Orme in New Bond Street in London, 1817. There appear to have been four paintings of Baronet painted by Stubbs, the earliest version being commissioned for The Prince of Wales in 1791.