Gourlay Steell
Lord Strathnairm's Arab Charger
Gourlay Steell
Oil on canvas, signed lower right
Image size: 39 x 44 1/8 inches (99.1 x 112.1 cm)
Handmade frame
Provenance
Commissioned by Field Marshal Hugh Henry Rose, 1st Baron Strathnairn
Mr. & Mrs. Harold W. Hudson
San Antonio Museum, San Antonio, Texas, no.54-41-327-G.
Sotheby's, New York, Sporting Paintings and Prints, Sale 5713, 10 June 1988, Lot 236.
Private Collection
Arab chargers, known for their endurance and power, are a hallmark of the Arabian horse breed. With distinct, finely chiseled features, high tails, and strong, compact bodies, these horses excel in long-distance riding and endurance racing. Their stamina, agility, and gentle disposition have made them popular among horse enthusiasts. The Arab charger stands out for its strength and resilience, a legacy that spans from historical battlegrounds to modern equestrian sports.
Gourlay Steell
Born in Edinburgh in 1819, Steell was a prominent Scottish animal painter. Coming from a family of artists, he trained under noted figures like William Allan and Robert Scott Lauder, sharpening his skills. Throughout his career, he regularly exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy, gaining recognition for his detailed and realistic animal paintings. In 1872, following the death of Sir Edwin Landseer, Steell was appointed as the official animal painter to Queen Victoria for Scotland. His work is praised for its accuracy and sensitivity in depicting animals, securing his place as a respected artist in Scottish art history.
Museums
Royal Scottish Academy
National Gallery's of Scotland
