Artwork

Soldier on Horse in Landscape

Soldier on Horse in Landscape, by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, 1840
Soldier on Horse in Landscape, by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, 1840

Soldier on Horse in Landscape is a print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Toussaint Charlet. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Soldier on Horse in Landscape is an 1840 print by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a solitary soldier on horseback atop a hill, overlooking a winding river that traverses a rocky, wooded landscape. The juxtaposition of the soldier's rigid pose with the natural, fluid landscape elements may suggest the artist's exploration of human presence within the natural world.

Technique & Style

Executed in black ink on light paper, the piece exhibits a straightforward, sketch-like quality. The contrast between the formal, static figure and the dynamic, organic environment is heightened by the simple yet expressive drawing technique.

History & Provenance

Created in 1840, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's holdings, though specific details of its creation context or previous ownership are not provided here.

Context

Emerging during the Romantic era, this work aligns with the period's themes of exploring grand ideas through landscape. Artists like Charlet used such compositions to ponder the relationship between humanity and nature, characteristic of Romanticism's philosophical underpinnings.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions of 'Soldier on Horse in Landscape' are not detailed, it contributes to the broader understanding of Charlet's contribution to Romantic-era printmaking and its thematic explorations.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nicolas Toussaint Charlet

Artist

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet

Nicolas-Toussaint Charlet was a French painter and printmaker, more especially of military subjects.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.