Artwork
Charles II by horse
Charles II by horse is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Luca Giordano. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Luca Giordano's 'Charles II by Horse' is an oil painting from 1601, portraying the Spanish monarch Charles II in a dramatic equestrian scene.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Charles II wearing body armor and holding a red ribbon symbolizing the Order of the Golden Fleece. His serious expression contrasts with the turmoil around him, as defeated soldiers lie on the ground.
Technique & Style
Giordano's use of oil paint captures the tension in the horse's muscles and the swirl of the bright, cloudy sky. The composition emphasizes power through the horse's dramatic pose and the detailed, ornate armor.
History & Provenance
'Charles II by Horse' is part of the collection at the Museo del Prado.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Luca Giordano was an Italian late-Baroque painter and printmaker in etching. Giordano was one of the most celebrated artists of the Neapolitan Baroque, whose vast output included altarpieces, mythological paintings and…
