James Ward R.A. 1769-1859 Landscape with a saddled donkey and a resting dog. Oil on canvas, relined, some areas of flaking and retouching. 41 x 51.cms
James Ward is often referred to as the greatest British animal painter of the early 19th century. A prodigy, early in his career he was commissioned to create a series of animal portraits for the Board of Agriculture, leading to his reputation as a skilled animal artist. Ward’s abilities led to a commission to paint both Wellington’s charger Copenhagen and Napoleon’s Marengo. He became a full member of the Royal Academy in 1811.