Who painted Rearing Horse and Rider?

Rearing Horse and Rider was painted by Antonio Tempesta in 1600.

Where can I see Rearing Horse and Rider?

Rearing Horse and Rider is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Rearing Horse and Rider?

Rearing Horse and Rider is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Rearing Horse and Rider

Antonio Tempesta , 1600

Rearing Horse and Rider is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Antonio Tempesta. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rearing Horse and Rider is a drawing created by Antonio Tempesta, an Italian artist, around 1600. Characterized by a bold, single reddish-brown line with no shading or background, the work depicts a dramatic scene of a horse rearing on its hind legs while a rider clings to its neck.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing captures a moment of intense dynamic movement, featuring a rearing horse with wildly kicking front legs and a rider tightly grasping its neck. This motif reflects Tempesta’s focus on dramatic action, common in his oeuvre.

Technique & Style

Executed in a single reddish-brown line without shading or background, the drawing’s simplicity contrasts with the turmoil of the scene. The style suggests a sketch or preliminary work rather than a finished piece, highlighting Tempesta’s emphasis on capturing movement.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Antonio Tempesta based on the signature 'Tempesta' in the corner, the drawing dates to around 1600, a period when Tempesta’s work bridged Baroque Rome and Antwerp’s artistic traditions.

Artist & collection

Artist

Antonio Tempesta

Antonio Tempesta, also called il Tempestino (1555 – 5 August 1630), was an Italian painter and engraver, whose art acted as a point of connection between Baroque Rome and the culture of Antwerp.