Artwork
Maurice, Prince of Orange on Horseback
Maurice, Prince of Orange on Horseback is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Egbert van Panderen. It dates from 1609 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Egbert van Panderen’s 1609 engraving presents Maurice, Prince of Orange, astride a rearing horse. Rendered in black-and-white line work, the image captures a dynamic pose, with the rider’s elaborate attire and the animal’s muscular tension rendered in fine detail.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays Maurice in full regalia, complete with a broad-brimmed hat and sword, emphasizing his status as a military leader. The horse’s upward thrust suggests vigor and readiness for battle, reflecting contemporary ideals of noble authority and martial prowess.
Technique & Style
Created through engraving, the work relies on incised lines to convey texture and depth. Van Panderen’s meticulous cross‑hatching delineates the folds of fabric and the sinews of the horse, achieving a vivid sense of volume within the constraints of the print medium.
History & Provenance
Produced in the early seventeenth century, the engraving was likely intended for dissemination among supporters of the House of Orange. Surviving copies are held in several European print collections, attesting to its circulation as a visual emblem of the prince’s lineage.
Artist & collection
