​From the Inside Out: Anatomy, Movement and the Changing Representation of the Horse
Invited Guest Lecture Veterinair Historisch Genootschap, Houten, the Netherlands

4- November 2026

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How has our understanding of anatomy and movement shaped the way artists represent the horse? In this illustrated lecture, equine art curator Joyce Ter Horst explores the changing perception of the horse’s body in art and science.

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At its centre is British artist George Stubbs, who not only painted horses but also conducted extensive anatomical research. His studies demonstrate how scientific observation can lead to works of art that convey not only the horse’s physical structure, but also its strength and presence.

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The photography of Eadweard Muybridge later revealed what the human eye could not isolate during movement. His images transformed our understanding of the gallop and influenced both artists and scientists.