A Mare; Possibly a Study for ‘L’Amour de Cheval’ 1827

James Ward made this chalk drawing of a mare in England, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. We can see the interest in animal anatomy here, especially in horses, that was common among artists of that time. But beyond just showing off his skill, Ward's drawing speaks to the social importance of horses in British society. Horse ownership was a symbol of status, and horse races were popular social events. Animal paintings were becoming a genre in their own right, supported by a market of wealthy landowners. Consider, too, that this drawing might be a study for a larger painting. The Royal Academy, where Ward exhibited, valued large-scale, history paintings over animal studies. As art historians, it’s our job to examine these historical contexts and understand how art reflects and shapes the culture in which it was made. By looking at things like exhibition records, social histories, and even stud books, we can gain a deeper understanding of Ward's work and its place in British society.