Who painted Study of Stirrups and a Saddle?

Study of Stirrups and a Saddle was painted by Stanisław Chlebowski in 1869.

Where can I see Study of Stirrups and a Saddle?

Study of Stirrups and a Saddle is held by National Museum in Kraków.

Can I buy a print of Study of Stirrups and a Saddle?

Museum-quality prints of Study of Stirrups and a Saddle are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Study of Stirrups and a Saddle

Stanisław Chlebowski , 1869

Study of Stirrups and a Saddle is an oil painting by Stanisław Chlebowski. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1869, this oil painting by Stanisław Chlebowski presents an intimate study of two equestrian accessories—a gilded crown set with blue stones and a richly colored saddle. The composition isolates the objects, allowing close observation of their surfaces, hues, and decorative details, and exemplifies the artist’s meticulous approach to rendering material texture.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on the juxtaposition of regal and functional objects, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in both ceremonial headgear and riding equipment.

The work focuses on the juxtaposition of regal and functional objects, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in both ceremonial headgear and riding equipment. By rendering the crown’s metallic sheen alongside the leather saddle’s earthy tones, the painting invites contemplation of status, power, and the everyday tools that support it, themes recurrent in Chlebowski’s broader Orientalist and historical oeuvre.

Technique & Style

Chlebowski employs a refined oil technique, building up layers to achieve a luminous finish on the gold and a tactile sense of the saddle’s leather. Precise brushwork captures the reflective quality of the jewels and the subtle variations in the saddle’s red and brown pigments, resulting in a highly realistic rendering that emphasizes materiality over narrative context.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the collection of the National Museum in Kraków, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of 19th‑century Polish art. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving works by Chlebowski, an artist noted for his depictions of Eastern subjects and historical scenes during the late nineteenth century.