Fashion & Costume · 17th century
€ 450
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good overall condition with age-related toning, a visible center fold as issued, light scattered foxing, and minor wear to the sheet edges consistent with age.
This rare and highly decorative original equestrian engraving originates from *Des Welt-berühmten Hertzog Wilhelms von Newcastle Neu-eröffnete Reit-Bahn*, published in Nuremberg around 1700. The work is based on the celebrated horsemanship teachings of William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, one of the most influential riding masters in European history and a foundational figure in the development of classical dressage.
The engraving depicts an advanced riding exercise identified as “Courbettes de ferme à ferme à Gauche,” illustrating a highly trained horse performing controlled courbette movements while guided by riders and assistants around a central training post. The carefully choreographed scene beautifully captures the precision, discipline, and theatrical elegance associated with aristocratic riding academies during the Baroque era.
Rendered with fine original hand-coloring, the engraving possesses exceptional decorative appeal. The warm chestnut tones of the horse contrast elegantly with the richly colored court attire of the riders and trainers, emphasizing both the athletic movement of the animal and the ceremonial atmosphere of elite equestrian training. Newcastle’s riding manuals became enormously influential throughout Europe and were highly prized among noble courts, military riding schools, and collectors fascinated by advanced horsemanship and courtly spectacle.
The restrained composition and refined coloring allow the engraving to function both as an important historical equestrian document and as an elegant decorative artwork. It displays beautifully in libraries, studies, country houses, riding schools, and interiors devoted to sporting art or equestrian history. The print pairs exceptionally well with dark walnut, ebonized, or lightly gilt frames combined with warm ivory or parchment-toned mats.
This is an original engraving printed around 1700, not a modern reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The engraving is sold unframed; any framed images shown are for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Condition: Good overall condition with age-related toning, a visible center fold as issued, light scattered foxing, and minor wear to the sheet edges consistent with age.
Framing tips: Displays exceptionally well in dark walnut, museum black, or lightly gilt frames with a generous ivory mat, complementing the warm hand-coloring and refined Baroque equestrian character of the engraving.
Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand-coloring
Maker: William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, England, circa 1700
