18th Century Equestrian Horsemanship Engravings Framed - A Pair

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Outstanding pair of circa 18th century engravings after designs by Flemish master Abraham van Diepenbeeck, illustrating “Les Haras” & “Les … Read more Outstanding pair of circa 18th century engravings after designs by Flemish master Abraham van Diepenbeeck, illustrating “Les Haras” & “Les Poulins” from William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle’s influential equestrian publication “A New Method and Extraordinary Invention to Dress Horses and Work Them According to Nature.” Finely rendered in the Baroque tradition, these plates depict stud farm and foal studies with exceptional clarity and refinement, reflecting aristocratic equine culture and the period’s close relationship between breeding practice, observation, and courtly life.

Cavendish, a Royalist commander during the English Civil War, developed much of this work while in exile on the Continent, where he established a renowned riding academy in Antwerp, housed in Rubens’ former residence. First published in French in 1658 (“La Méthode et Invention Nouvelle de Dresser les Chevaux”), the work later appeared in English editions after the Restoration. The compositions are based on Diepenbeeck’s designs (1596–1675), a Flemish School artist and Rubens disciple, and engraved by Petr. Clouvet (“Les Haras”) and A. Lommelin (“Les Poulins”).

Printed on early laid paper, the engravings remain crisp and visually strong, with excellent decorative presence. Nicely matted and framed, ready to hang.

Ideal for collectors of early equestrian art, Baroque printmaking, and classical European history. Striking in library walls, studies, equestrian rooms, English country house interiors, or layered salon-style gallery walls, with a monochrome palette that complements both traditional and contemporary spaces.

Dimensions:
Each frame: 28 5/8" H × 24 1/2" W
Image: approx. 20 1/16" H × 14 15/16" W See less