In 2007, I visited 'Kylie - An Exhibition' at the V&A in London, and visited the shop to buy an exhibition poster and postcard. Something else caught my eye... a postcard of Whistlejacket (c. 1762) by George Stubbs. I had started riding horses a few years earlier, and I was mesmerised by their powerful and beautiful form and emotive eyes. I bought the card - and I still have it - and I have loved horses ever since.
I'm not an artist, but many people - like George Stubbs - have expressed their love and admiration for horses in many ways through art. Throughout the years, the horse has been with humans at their best and worst times; they have become partners, transportation, a means of survival, and companions. Some people have even considered them as their soulmates.
Many cultures associated horses with spirit, power, and freedom in their artworks. In Greek mythology, horse-like creatures such as centaurs, Pegasi, and unicorns were very popular, even appearing on Greek coin currency. In the Middle Ages, unicorns symbolised purity and healing.
Horses frequently appeared in works of art throughout history as depictions of the horse in battle. They appear slightly less in modern art, partly because the horse is no longer significant either as a mode of transportation or as an implement of war – and we can see the changing relationship we have had with horses, from the classical paintings of George Stubbs to the subversive feminist performances of Rose English.
I'm pleased to see fewer paintings of artwork associated with cowboys and fox hunting, and more presenting the animal's graceful silhouette and soulful eyes. When our new artist Michelle Wilson contacted me about working together, everything fell into place immediately. We share that love that so many other artists do – that art is such a powerful way to show how horses symbolise courage, chivalry, discovery, emotion and raw power.
Michelle says: "As an artist, I've always been drawn to horses for their serene beauty and quiet strength. Their graceful elegance and peaceful nature inspire me to capture their spirit through painting and drawing."
In Reverence, a stunning horse gently bows its head, with the muscle and tone of the animal on full display. This is a striking portrait by Michelle, that beautifully captures the strength and spirit of the horse in stunning detail. The blending vibrant colours and fine textures showcase the depth and character of the animal in an image that will add drama and elegance to any home.
Original artworks and high-quality prints by Michelle Wilson are available from At First Sight Gallery.
My Whistlejacket postcard from 2007...
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