Artwork

Sketch for The Knight with the Falcon, known as "The Crusader"

Sketch for The Knight with the Falcon, known as "The Crusader", by Unknown, 1650
Sketch for The Knight with the Falcon, known as "The Crusader", by Unknown, 1650

Sketch for The Knight with the Falcon, known as "The Crusader" is a drawing by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The drawing is a preparatory study for the composition titled The Knight with the Falcon, also referred to as The Crusader.

About this work

Overview

The drawing is a preparatory study for the composition titled The Knight with the Falcon, also referred to as The Crusader. Executed around 1650, the work is attributed to the artist recorded as 1871_person and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The study concentrates on a close‑up portrait of a bearded male figure, his dark hair and beard framing a solemn expression. He wears a low‑set red hat, and his gaze suggests a contemplative or resolute mood, aligning with the chivalric theme implied by the title.

Technique & Style

Rendered with loose, gestural brushstrokes, the sketch conveys an unfinished quality typical of preparatory drawings. The figure emerges from a darkened background, the contrast of pale skin tones against shadow emphasizing the facial features while leaving many details implied rather than fully defined.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1650, the piece has remained within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 1871_person reflects the artist’s practice of producing studies to develop larger, narrative compositions such as the associated knightly scene.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known