A Horse Affrighted by a Lion 25 - 1777

George Stubbs created this print, *A Horse Affrighted by a Lion*, using etching and engraving techniques. The composition plunges us into a dramatic confrontation set against a backdrop of craggy rocks and stormy skies. The stark contrast between light and shadow throws the scene into sharp relief, accentuating the horse's frantic energy and the lion’s predatory stance. Stubbs masterfully uses line and texture to convey both the physical tension and psychological drama. The horse, rendered with fine, detailed lines, seems to vibrate with fear, its muscles taut and posture recoiled. In contrast, the lion is depicted with coarser, more assertive lines, embodying raw power. The landscape itself mirrors the turmoil of the moment, with jagged rocks and swirling clouds intensifying the emotional impact. Stubbs destabilizes the traditional pastoral scene, replacing harmony with conflict, and challenging our expectations of nature as benign. The print, through its structured composition and dynamic use of form, delves into themes of fear, survival, and the precarious balance of nature, inviting a deep, sustained contemplation.