Lord Bolingbroke's Brood Mare in the Grounds of Lydiard Park by George Stubbs

A modern copy of this fine painting by the equestrian painter George Stubbs hangs over the chimney piece in the Library of Lydiard House. The original, one of a number which hung in the house, was sold by Lord Bolingbroke at Christies in 1943.

The painting was commissioned by Frederick, 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke, the earliest great patron of the artist. Frederick was an immensely wealthy young man and owned a large stable at Lydiard Park.

The picture also celebrates Frederick's recently landscaped park with its open lawns and naturalistic looking lake, created in the English Landscape Garden Style to complement the Palladian house.

The painting has previously been misnamed 'Lord Bolingbroke's Favourite Hunter'.