In pictures: Stubbs the anatomist

1 of 8 George Stubbs (1724 - 1806) is considered the greatest painter of horses in the history of art. Image: © By Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London

2 of 8 His intricate drawings of equine anatomy have led to comparisons with the artist-scientist Leonardo da Vinci. Image: © Royal Academy of Arts, London

3 of 8 He is best known for his portraits of horses, such as Whistlejacket, shown here, one of the most popular paintings in the National Gallery. © The National Gallery, London

4 of 8 In honour of Stubbs, the National Gallery is holding a new exhibition of his work, Stubbs and the Horse. The exhibition, which opens on 29 June, features many of his original drawings and previously unseen paintings. Image: © Tate 2005

5 of 8 Before he became known as a painter, Stubbs spent 18 months dissecting horses and making detailed notes and drawings at a farmhouse in the village of Horkstow, near Hull. Image: © Royal Academy of Arts, London

6 of 8 Stubbs suspended horses' bodies from the ceiling and made elaborate notes and drawings as he dissected. These were published in his book, The Anatomy of the Horse, in 1766. Image: © Royal Academy of Arts, London

7 of 8 This painting, Lustre, with a Groom, 1761-62, shows the astonishing detail that went into his work. Image: © Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut

8 of 8 His portraits pay homage to the golden age of British racing, as new, faster thoroughbred horses were introduced to the racetrack. Image: © The Trustees of the Goodwood Collection