A remarkable prize livestock painting by Richard Whitford (1821-1890) depicting a Shropshire sheep

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]So, Robert, what will you take to the fair? So, amongst other things, we're going to take this painting of a sheep.

[00:00:06]Which is a prize livestock painting from exclusively British tradition, really.

[00:00:11]And it depicts just a prize-winning Shropshire sheep.

[00:00:16]It has no understanding of anatomy. This is not a sheep that moves well. It's static. It has a wonderful two-dimensional quality, and its characteristics are all exaggerated with its big chest and its very long square back and strong bottom and heavy thigh, bold reproductive organs, because these were breeding animals. And so, the breeders were using these pictures really as calling cards.

[00:00:42]But, I love the fact that that's what it is. It's just a big, slightly unrealistically bold sheep standing >> [music] >> in typical English countryside. It's a happy picture. It's a childlike picture, but it has a quality that is immediately engaging, because I think of its very static, almost lifeless appeal. It gives it a a simplicity and an unpretentiousness that I find immediately appealing. Mhm.

[00:01:10]I'm happy to see it in summer.

[00:01:12]You will. Very excited.