Art News

George Stubbs Horse Painting Fetches $36 Million at Christie’s Old Master Sale in London

LONDON (REUTERS).- A horse painting by George Stubbs fetched 22.4 million pounds ($35.9 million) at Christie’s in London on Tuesday, the third most valuable old master painting to be sold at auction, the company said. “Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath, with a Trainer, a Stable-Lad, and a Jockey” had been expected to fetch 20-30 million pounds excluding fees. The sale price included buyer’s premium. The work was painted by Stubbs, renowned for his anatomically precise portrayals of horses, in 1765, and was described by the auctioneer as “a true masterpiece.” It depicts Gimcrack, one of the most admired 18th century racehorses which won 28 of his 36 races and finished unplaced only once. The painting shows Gimcrack twice — in the background winning a “trial” and in the foreground with his trainer and jockey, a stable lad rubbing him down. Christie’s said