Artwork
Horseman
Horseman is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Frédéric Auguste Laguillermie. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Horseman is an 1861 print by French artist Frédéric Auguste Laguillermie. Executed as an etching on Japanese paper, the work presents a solitary equestrian figure against an unadorned background. The composition is restrained, focusing attention on the interaction between rider and animal without narrative embellishment.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a man astride a horse, clothed in a dark coat, cap, and high boots. The horse is stationary, its head turned slightly, suggesting a moment of pause or contemplation. The sparse setting invites viewers to consider the figure’s presence and the quiet dignity of the rider’s posture.
Technique & Style
Laguillermie employed traditional etching methods, incising fine lines into a metal plate and transferring them onto Japanese paper. The technique yields delicate hatching and cross‑hatching that model the forms of the horse and rider, creating a sense of volume while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created in 1861, the print belongs to the early period of Laguillermie’s career, when he was exploring printmaking as a means of reproducing images. It has been held in several private collections before entering public holdings, reflecting the artist’s reputation among collectors of 19th‑century French prints.
Artist & collection
