Artwork

A Dragoon on Horseback

A Dragoon on Horseback, by Charles Parrocel, ink, 1730
A Dragoon on Horseback, by Charles Parrocel, ink, 1730

A Dragoon on Horseback is an ink print by the Baroque artist Charles Parrocel. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Dragoon on Horseback is an etching on laid paper created by Charles Parrocel around 1730. It depicts a mounted soldier in dynamic pose.

Subject & Meaning

The etching shows a dragoon on a rearing horse, dressed in military attire, conveying a sense of energy and movement. The subject reflects Parrocel's expertise in military scenes, a common theme in European art at the time.

Technique & Style

The image was created using etching, a process involving scratching lines into a metal plate. The resulting print features loose, confident lines and a lively, sketchy feel, characteristic of Parrocel's style.

History & Provenance

Charles Parrocel, a French painter and engraver, trained under his father Joseph and at the Académie de France in Paris and Italy. He worked for King Louis XV, producing artworks including diplomatic scenes.

Context

The etching is part of a broader trend in 18th-century European art, where military subjects were frequently depicted.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Parrocel

Artist

Charles Parrocel

Charles Parrocel was a French painter and engraver and a specialist in battle and hunt paintings.

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