Portrait of a Bay Horse
Painting on paper or board • Stopka (signed 'Stopka 26' in lower left)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Illustrative Realism / Equestrian Art
Medium & Technique
Acrylic or gouache on heavy paper or illustration board, utilizing flat color blocking and linear detailing for the mane
Creation Period
2026 (likely a post-dated signature or recent contemporary work)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A close-up, three-quarter view portrait of a bay horse with a white blaze on its forehead and a dark mane. The composition focuses on the animal's head and neck against a neutral, textured tan background. The expression is calm, with emphasis on the anatomy of the eye and the texture of the coat.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the work appears stable with fresh pigments and no visible signs of aging or damage
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist; appears to be a contemporary production
Art Historical Significance
Representative of 21st-century figurative animal portraiture, following in the tradition of equestrian artists like George Stubbs but with a modern, graphic sensibility common in contemporary commercial and fine art illustration.
Notable Features
Clear, bold signature 'Stopka 26' in the lower left corner. Distinctive graphic handling of the horse's mane and the gestural, painterly background.
Condition Issues
No visible cracking, fading, or foxing. Minimal surface wear around the edges common for unframed works on paper.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free materials and frame under UV-protective glass to prevent pigment fading. Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.