Philip IV on horseback, after Velázquez
Original title: Philip IV on horseback, after Velázquez
kurzbeschreibung
In 1778 Francisco de Goya made an etching of King Philip IV of Spain on horseback, working after a painting by Diego Velázquez. The plate measures 36.8 × 31 cm.
Description
Here the king wears Spanish armor, a cap on his head and a weapon in one hand. His horse is in motion, hind legs raised, head turned to the right. Low hills and a lightly clouded sky fill the distance. Black and white dominate the sheet; light falls evenly, without strong shadows or highlights.
Context
This etching belongs to a series in which Goya, in 1778, reproduced paintings by Velázquez from the royal collection. Whether the Count of Floridablanca commissioned the work or Goya acted on his own initiative is not clear. In any case he studied the originals directly in the royal palaces, which allowed for close imitation. The aim was to bring Velázquez's work before a wider public.
Impact
The arrangement draws the eye plainly to the king and his horse, producing a calm, dignified presence. Although only black and white are used, varied linework gives the sheet a detailed and lively feel.
Technique
For this etching the drawing was incised into an acid-resistant ground on a copper plate and then bitten with acid. Printing was done in black on paper. Delicate strokes render the surfaces of armor and horsehair.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)