Artist: John McAuliffe
Year: 1875
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 15 × 19.5 inches
Style: Figurative, Still Life
Period: Mid 19th Century
Condition: Excellent
Description: This striking equine portrait by John McAuliffe is a masterclass in anatomical precision and quiet power, created with an unmistakable understanding of the horse as both athlete and companion. Set against an open landscape, the dark horse stands with calm authority, its posture balanced and alert, inviting the viewer to study every carefully rendered detail. McAuliffe’s command of equine musculature is immediately apparent. The tension and release along the shoulders, the definition of the hindquarters, and the subtle articulation of the legs reflect the eye of an artist who truly knew horses, not just how they look, but how they move and work.
For riders and racing enthusiasts, this painting resonates on a deeper level. The horse’s stance suggests readiness and discipline, qualities prized in both the training ring and on the track. The sheen of the coat, the refined head, and the confident carriage all speak to strength, breeding, and careful care. Signed and dated in the lower left, this work stands as a testament to McAuliffe’s reputation as one of the great horse painters, offering an image that feels both technically exact and emotionally familiar to anyone who knows the bond between horse and human.
Artist: John McAuliffe
Year: 1875
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 15 × 19.5 inches
Style: Figurative, Still Life
Period: Mid 19th Century
Condition: Excellent
Description: This striking equine portrait by John McAuliffe is a masterclass in anatomical precision and quiet power, created with an unmistakable understanding of the horse as both athlete and companion. Set against an open landscape, the dark horse stands with calm authority, its posture balanced and alert, inviting the viewer to study every carefully rendered detail. McAuliffe’s command of equine musculature is immediately apparent. The tension and release along the shoulders, the definition of the hindquarters, and the subtle articulation of the legs reflect the eye of an artist who truly knew horses, not just how they look, but how they move and work.
For riders and racing enthusiasts, this painting resonates on a deeper level. The horse’s stance suggests readiness and discipline, qualities prized in both the training ring and on the track. The sheen of the coat, the refined head, and the confident carriage all speak to strength, breeding, and careful care. Signed and dated in the lower left, this work stands as a testament to McAuliffe’s reputation as one of the great horse painters, offering an image that feels both technically exact and emotionally familiar to anyone who knows the bond between horse and human.
