George Davis Antiques

Richard Barrett Davis was an important Victorian Horse painter and Landscape artist, born in Watford in 1782. In 1789 his father became a huntsman to George III's private harriers and it was through him that Davis' sketches caught the attention of George III, who in turn persuaded Sir Francis Bourgeois (1756–1807) to tutor the young Barrett Davis. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools, where he first exhibited in 1802. He joined the Society of British Artists in 1829 and was appointed animal painter to William IV in 1831. From 1802, Davis exhibited annually at the Royal Academy for the next 50 years and from 1808, he exhibited at the British Institution and also at the Society of British Arts in 1831. The subject of this painting was also the name of a loveable if slightly ridiculous English Squire character from The Spectator (1711), who represented the values of an old country gentleman, making typical Tory politics of such a person harmless but silly. It is also the name of an English country-dance.

Animal paintings depict the beauty and power of nature in an elegant way that can complement any room. Interacting with animals has long captured the imagination and has been interpreted in diverse artistic media.

Some of the oldest works of art have included animals, such as a cave painting found in Indonesia dating back more than 45,500 years that shows a wild pig in red ocher pigment. Animals have continued to appear in every era and style of art, from realism to Pop art and everything in between.

Some paintings portray animals in their natural habitat, highlighting the majesty of wild creatures roaming the plains, forests and jungles. These paintings often feature deer, tigers, wild mustangs and other wildlife. Others focus on domestic animals such as dogs — pay a visit to the Museum of the Dog if you don’t believe us — as well as cats and how they interact with the world and their owners.

Picking the right animal painting for a room — as well as knowing how to arrange your new wall art — can take time. But, in the end, it will tastefully reflect your interests and passions. While an expansive landscape painting helps open up a small space, hanging a horse painting in a den shows a love for equine culture and can invite interesting conversation.

There is animal art to fit every collection on 1stDibs. Explore a wide selection of animal paintings and animal prints in a range of styles and designs to match any home or office.