‘Superb’ Stubbs painting could fetch £15 million

A painting by British artist George Stubbs could fetch as much as £15 million when it is put up for sale later this year.

Stubbs, famous for his paintings of horses, painted Brood Mares and Foals at the height of his fame in 1767.

Since then the painting has remained in the family of the Earl of Macclesfield who are now offering it for sale. It was first shown at two exhibitions in 1768 but has only been shown once since then, in a 2005 show dedicated to the Liverpool-born artist.

The painting will be sold at Sotheby’s auction house in London on December 8.

Emmeline Hallmark, director and head of British pictures at Sotheby’s, said: “George Stubbs is, in my opinion, the greatest horse painter of all time and it is an immense pleasure to be offering in our December sale this exceptionally fine work by him, which is instantly recognisable as one of his most beautiful and iconic compositions.

“It has been more than 30 years since a Mares and Foals scene has appeared at auction and this outstanding example painted when Stubbs was at the height of his powers and popularity is not only in superb condition but also has the most impeccable provenance, having never appeared at auction before. It is quite simply perfection; who could ask for more?”