Artwork

Carabinier Mounting a Horse

Carabinier Mounting a Horse, by Carle Vernet, ink, 1797
Carabinier Mounting a Horse, by Carle Vernet, ink, 1797

Carabinier Mounting a Horse is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Carle Vernet. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Carabinier Mounting a Horse is a lithograph created by French artist Carle Vernet in 1797. As the son of painter Claude-Joseph Vernet, Carle Vernet specialized in military and genre scenes, with a particular emphasis on cavalry and equestrian themes.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a dynamic scene of a carabinier (a type of cavalryman) in the act of mounting his horse. The image conveys a sense of energy and movement, capturing a fleeting moment of interaction between the rider and his horse.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithograph, a technique that allowed for expressive line work, the piece showcases Vernet's ability to evoke movement and tension through bold, dynamic composition. The style aligns with early Romantic tendencies, emphasizing emotion and action.

History & Provenance

Created in 1797, the work reflects Vernet's established interest in military subjects. While specific provenance details are not provided, the piece is characteristic of his output during this period, showcasing his thematic preoccupations.

Context

Set against a rural backdrop with visible buildings, trees, and grass, the scene suggests a countryside or military encampment setting. This context grounds the action within a plausible, everyday scenario for a carabinier.

Legacy

Carabinier Mounting a Horse exemplifies Vernet's contribution to the Romantic movement through its emphasis on movement and emotional intensity. It stands as part of a broader body of work by Vernet that influenced the depiction of military and equestrian subjects in early 19th-century art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Carle Vernet

Artist

Carle Vernet

Antoine Charles Horace Vernet, better known as Carle Vernet, was a French painter, the youngest child of painter Claude-Joseph Vernet and the father of painter Horace Vernet.

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