A Gentleman driving a Lady in a Phaeton
- Artist: George Stubbs
- Date: 1787
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "A Gentleman driving a Lady in a Phaeton" by George Stubbs. Painted in 1787, this oil on wood piece showcases the artist's attention to detail and mastery of capturing movement.
The phaeton, a high-built, four-wheel carriage, is not only the main subject but also a status symbol of its time. It was typically driven by its owner, rather than a coachman, and its construction is as intricately depicted as its occupants. Stubbs has placed the carriage against dark foliage to highlight the undercarriage mechanism, which he illustrates with precision.
The two figures inside are fashionably dressed for a country drive on what appears to be a summer's day. The driver leans forward, perhaps to greet us, while both passengers look directly at the viewer. Their faces and hats frame an invitation to share in their experience or admire their new carriage.
As you take in this painting, notice how Stubbs balances the attention to the phaeton with its occupants and horses. This is a snapshot of a bygone era, where recreational driving and racing were popular pastimes among the upper class.
See it in person
A Gentleman driving a Lady in a Phaeton hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
