Rijksmuseum

Studies of a Horseman and the Head of a Horse

Date

c. 1617 - c. 1621

Medium

paper, ink

Institution

Rijksmuseum

Anthony van Dyck dashed off this quick sketch without relying on an underdrawing. Using rapid brushstrokes, he created volume and movement, especially in the horse in the foreground, whose mane seems to flutter in the wind. The drawing was probably intended as a preparatory study for a painting. The artist noted the colours to be used, for instance white for the muzzle.

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