Bulls Fighting 1786

George Stubbs rendered these Bulls Fighting with oil on canvas. Stubbs earned a reputation for his representational accuracy, which he gained through meticulous anatomical study. He also had a deep understanding of the traditions of paintings, such as the arrangement of the animals in the pastoral setting. The painting shows two bulls engaged in a brutal contest of strength. Stubbs captured their muscular frames and intense energy through layers of paint, carefully blended to model the forms of the animals. The artist paid close attention to detail, emphasizing the textures of their hides and the tension in their muscles. Paintings of animals such as these were made for wealthy landowners who were keen to display images of their livestock, symbolizing prosperity and power. So, while the painting looks traditional, it’s important to remember its connection to the emerging agricultural economy of the 18th century, in which bulls were prized for their ability to breed and increase herd sizes. Stubbs elevated this subject to the level of high art, reflecting a changing attitude toward the natural world.