Lord Stanhope 

James Ward created this drawing, Lord Stanhope, using graphite on paper. Ward lived through a period of immense social and political change, witnessing both the height of the British Empire and significant social upheaval. At first glance, we see a depiction of aristocratic privilege – Lord Stanhope mounted on horseback. But this image also speaks to the complex relationship between humans and animals, a theme Ward often explored. Consider the way the horse's gaze meets ours, an equal, questioning. Ward was known for his empathy towards animals, often portraying them with a sensitivity that challenged the prevailing attitudes of his time. Ward's personal connection to the rural landscape – his father was a fruit grower – instilled in him a deep appreciation for the natural world, an appreciation he translated into art that often challenged the established social order. While this portrait appears straightforward, it invites us to reflect on the multifaceted connections between identity, class, and our relationship with the environment.