Portret van George Stubbs 1769

D.P. Pariset created this print of George Stubbs, the famous animal painter, sometime in the 18th century. At first glance, the symmetrical composition draws us in, framed by oval and rectangular borders adorned with ribbons and laurel. Pariset’s skillful use of hatching and stippling creates a range of tones, giving depth to Stubbs’s profile. Note how the even light across his face and wig creates an impression of a composed, intellectual demeanor. The lines are precise, reflecting the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and order. But if you look closer, the regularity of the pattern is disrupted, as if hinting at the complexity beneath the surface. The title, ‘Animalium Pictor,’ literally ‘painter of animals’, is prominently displayed, emphasizing Stubbs’s professional identity. This print isn’t just a likeness; it’s a statement about art and science, aligning Stubbs with a tradition of careful observation and documentation. So consider how the formal elements of line and composition contribute to a larger dialogue about knowledge, representation, and the natural world.