The Frick Presents George Stubbs A Celebration

George Stubbs (1724-1806): A Celebration, an exhibition of nearly twenty paintings by the celebrated artist, comes in early 2007 to The Frick Collection, its only North American venue. The exhibition marks the bicentenary of Stubbs's death by presenting some of his greatest contributions to the tradition of British eighteenth-century painting, all notable for their originality and beauty.

Furthermore, while Stubbs's work is represented in many American collections, the exhibition at the Frick exclusively draws upon British-owned examples, some of which have never been shown in New York and have not crossed the Atlantic Ocean in over twenty years, presenting an important viewing opportunity.

The tour of the present exhibition began in the spring of 2006 in the artist's native Liverpool at the Walker Gallery, and traveled this fall and winter to Tate Britain, London (the city where Stubbs enjoyed his mature success as a painter), concluding at the Frick. Stubbs is renowned for the precise and noble treatment of animals in a style ordinarily reserved for the human figure, and he spent many years studying and documenting the anatomy of horses, dogs, and wild animals.

His understanding of the physical structure of these animals provided him with the exceptional ability to convey accurately their beauty, strength, and dignity. Stubbs's truth to nature, paired with an innate sense of design, balance, and restraint, enabled him to create lyrical and graceful representations that are unparalleled by other animal painters. The Frick showing will devote much attention to animal paintings and will also feature quintessential English landscape and genre scenes, representing nearly the full range of work in oil that Stubbs produced over the course of his career.

Important paintings will be drawn from the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and Tate Britain, London. Many several seldom-seen works from private English collections are included in the exhibition. Some, such as the Walker's magisterial portrait of the thoroughbred racehorse Molly Longlegs, have been newly conserved for the exhibition. A revelatory presentation, George Stubbs will emphasize the artist's innovations in subject and makes a compelling case for understanding him as one of the most gifted oil painters of his generation. A related publication is authored by Alex Kidson, Curator of British Art at the Walker Art Gallery.

Presentation of George Stubbs (1724-1806): A Celebration in New York is coordinated by the Frick's Chief Curator, Colin B. Bailey and Associate Curator, Denise Allen. Major funding has been provided by The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation. Corporate support has been provided by Fiduciary Trust Company International. Generous support has also been provided by Melvin R. Seiden in honor of Colin B. Bailey and by the Fellows of The Frick Collection. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities.

By www.frick.org