George Stubbs, A.R.A. (1724-1806) James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil (1730-1798), with his hunter Mowbray, resting on a wooded path by a stream (£1.5-2.5 million). Courtesy, Christie’s Images Ltd., 2013. UPDATE: IT MADE £1,426,500
When famous horse painter George Stubbs met Viscount Limerick the result was a painting of one the the artists few Irish clients. George Stubbs, A.R.A. (1724-1806) produced a portrait of James Hamilton resting on a wooded path by a stream in 1765. Hamilton was an Irish peer who served as High Sheriff of Louth in 1757. He was styled Viscount Limerick from 1756-1758 and became 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil in 1758. The painting is considered a masterpiece of the early maturity of Stubbs. Clanbrassil was one of the few Irish clients to commission a horse portrait by the celebrated artist. He was a cousin of one of Stubbs’ most important clients, the 3rd Duke of Portland. It comes up at Christie’s Old Master and British paintings sale in London on December 3 and is estimated at £1.5-2.5 million. Image Courtesy, Christie’s Images Ltd., 2013