Horses have been inspiring artists for centuries, and it’s no wonder why – they’re majestic, powerful, and downright stunning.
From the days of cavemen drawing stick figures on cave walls to modern-day masterpieces, horses have been a constant presence in the art world.
From famous artists like George Stubbs to contemporary creators like Deborah Butterfield, there’s no shortage of beautiful and striking art pieces that celebrate these majestic creatures who headline any horse racing website.
Here are some of the best art pieces about horses and equestrian themes that you simply can’t miss.
Horses Symbolism in Art
For generations, horses have been a popular subject in art, and they’ve come to symbolize many things, from grace and beauty to strength and freedom. With their flowing manes, rippling muscles, and quick movements, they exemplify elegance and power.
Horses can represent anything in art, from the purest of spirits to the most terrifying of warriors. These beautiful creatures have a way of grabbing the imagination and instilling awe in everyone who sees them, whether they’re galloping across a battlefield or grazing peacefully in a meadow.
Popular Art Pieces that Include Horses
Whistlejacket by George Stubbs
George Stubbs is widely regarded as one of the greatest horse artists of all time, and Whistlejacket is perhaps his best-known work. This prancing stallion painting is both powerful and graceful, with great detail in the horse’s musculature and coat. It’s no surprise that this piece has long been a favorite of both art collectors and horse lovers.
The Horse Fair by Rosa Bonheur
Rosa Bonheur was a French painter who specialized in animal portraits, and The Horse Fair is one of her most famous works. This massive painting depicts a lively horse market, complete with dozens of horses and people engaging in a frenzy. The painting’s sheer size is breathtaking, but it’s the energy and movement portrayed in each figure and animal that truly distinguishes it.
Horse and Train by Alex Colville
If typical horse portraits bore you and you want something a little edgier, Alex Colville’s “Horse with Train” is the artwork for you.
Everything you thought you knew about horses and locomotives will be called into question by this mind-bending masterpiece. It is quite a strange art piece where a horse is galloping toward a fast-moving steam train. The tension in this image is so thick that a horseshoe might cut through it.
Running Horses by Xu Beihong
Xu Beihong was a Chinese painter who specialized in horse paintings, and Running Horses is one of his most famous works. This ink and watercolor painting shows a group of horses galloping across a field, their manes and tails flowing in the wind. The simplicity of the brushstrokes is stunning, and the sense of movement and freedom captured in the horses is truly breathtaking.
Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome
Art sculptures are very hard to make, especially when we talk about horses. If you are traveling to Rome, make sure you check out some of the best horse sculptures that play a dominant role in equestrian art.
One such is the Marcus Aurelius statue, which is a timeless bronze masterpiece that was made over 1,800 years ago. This statue, which depicts the mighty Roman Emperor riding a magnificent stallion, is not only an astounding example of ancient art but also a testament to the profound and lasting relationship that people and horses have shared throughout history.
Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David
If you love battle painting, then this should be at the top of your list. Throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Europe. His military triumphs were unparalleled, as he led his army to victory and took control of the bulk of the continent. One of his most notable achievements was his march into the Swiss Mountains to deliver aid to his forces in northern Italy. This artwork of Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most recognizable depictions of horses in art. It is considered a masterwork by the artist, representing the great general on horseback leading his army up the towering Swiss Alps.