CIRCLE OF ALBERT CLARK (ACT.1821-1910) A dapple grey shire horse wearing a rosette and held by the owner oil on canvas 66 x 82.5 cm NOTES: Son of the acclaimed animal painter James Clark. He studied under his farther and started creating notable paintings of animals – namely horses – under the naïve style At the age of 17, he had defined himself as a ‘naïve animal artist’ Originally referred to as the Great Horse, the Shire was of enormous importance in Medieval Britain carrying knights into battle. As armour became lighter the need for a strong battle horse declined and the Shire instead became a valuable agricultural workhorse. Before the introduction of steam engines and tractors to work the land, Shires were essential for the farm. The breed was also a familiar sight in the towns and cities where it was used by hauliers and breweries. Forced into decline by agricultural mechanisation it survived due only to the support of a small number of individual breeders and breweries. Uses Shire horses are often used in 'Snigging' competitions, where a horse is used to pull a log around a course. possibly the rosette worn in the present work.