Artwork

Title Page to the Compleat Horseman

Title Page to the Compleat Horseman, by Unknown 19th Century, ink, 1850
Title Page to the Compleat Horseman, by Unknown 19th Century, ink, 1850

Title Page to the Compleat Horseman is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This engraving serves as the title page for 'The Compleat Horseman'.

About this work

Overview

This engraving serves as the title page for 'The Compleat Horseman'. It prominently features a horse standing sideways alongside a figure of a man dressed in attire characteristic of the time, including a tall hat and a coat with wide lapels, holding a long whip.

Subject & Meaning

The subject depicts a moment of poised interaction between the proud-looking man and the still horse, conveying a sense of mastery and harmony. The composition may symbolize the themes of horsemanship and control central to the accompanying publication.

Technique & Style

The engraving utilizes cross-hatching, evident in the tiny lines covering the entire image, to create depth and shading without the use of color. This technique contributes to the overall detailed and textured appearance of the print.

Context

Given its association with 'The Compleat Horseman', this title page engraving is contextualized within 17th- or 18th-century equestrian literature, suggesting an audience interested in horse breeding, training, and riding practices of the era.

Legacy

While specific influence or widespread recognition of this engraving is not highlighted, its style and subject matter align with the enduring interest in historical equestrian art and literature, potentially appealing to those studying or appreciating antiquarian horse books.

Artist & collection

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