Two Equestrian Figures, Possibly a Study for "George IV, Prince of Wales"
Original title: Two Equestrian Figures, Possibly a Study for "George IV, Prince of Wales"
kurzbeschreibung
Two riders in military uniforms are the focus of this drawing by John Singleton Copley, made around 1803–13. Executed in black chalk with white-chalk heightening on blue wove paper, it is regarded as a possible preparatory study for a portrait of George IV, Prince of Wales.
Description
Two mounted figures are placed symmetrically across the sheet. Both wear military uniforms with tall, cylindrical headgear; belts, sabre straps and other uniform details are indicated. The horses' saddles and bridles are shown, with the left figure worked out in noticeably more detail than the right. Sketchy notes and design lines in the background reveal the artist's working process.
Context
This study is connected with a planned portrait of the British heir to the throne, George IV, known as the Prince of Wales. At this stage Copley was engaged with historical and representative subjects. Presumably he used the drawing to test the riders' pose and accoutrements for the final painting.
Impact
The blue paper together with the white heightening gives the drawing a calm, almost elegant appearance. The careful elaboration of the left figure draws the eye and underscores the representative intention of the design.
Technique
Copley used black chalk for contours and shading, supplemented by white chalk for the highlights. The blue wove paper acts as a middle tone and lends the drawing particular depth. The looser sketching of the right figure makes the exploratory character of the study visible.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)