Prize Clydesdale Mare Gourlay Steell

The composition presents a large draft mare standing prominently in a field setting. The animal dominates the visual space, its substantial form rendered with considerable detail and attention to musculature. Its coat is dark brown, highlighted by subtle variations in tone that suggest both light and shadow play across its surface. A lighter area on its flank draws the eye, emphasizing its powerful build. The mare’s head is held high, conveying a sense of dignity and strength.
Beside the animal stands a man, presumably its handler or owner. He is dressed in practical attire – a waistcoat over a collared shirt and a cap atop his head – suggesting a working-class background. His posture is attentive; he holds a lead rope loosely in his hand, maintaining a respectful distance from the mare. The man’s presence serves to contextualize the animals size and stature, providing a human scale against which its grandeur can be appreciated.
The landscape behind them appears somewhat indistinct, painted with muted tones of grey and brown, punctuated by patches of pale sky suggesting an overcast day. This subdued background directs focus towards the central figures – the mare and her handler. The ground beneath their feet is rendered in earthy browns and greens, contributing to a sense of realism and grounding the scene within a rural context.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of industry, agricultural prosperity, and perhaps even national pride. The sheer size and power of the draft horse were essential for farm work and transportation during the period this piece likely originates from. The careful depiction suggests an appreciation for the animals value – not just as a working tool, but also as a symbol of strength and breeding excellence. The man’s respectful demeanor implies a relationship built on understanding and care, rather than mere exploitation. There is a quiet dignity in both figures, suggesting a connection to the land and a sense of purpose rooted in labor and tradition.