Portrayals of rulers on horseback have been extremely popular since ancient times. Especially in the Baroque period, such illustrious equestrian portraits were particularly favoured by kings and princes, who wished to emphasise their claim to superiority and sovereignty. This painting captures a moment of energetic movement, the king confidently directing his gaze towards a point outside the pictorial space. The clouds of smoke in the background indicate that he is returning from a victorious battle.
Further Media
- Material & Technique
- Oil on canvas
- Museum
- Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
- Dating
- c. 1718
- Inventory number
- Gal.-Nr. 768