17th-Century French Equestrian Engraving: "Monseigneur Le Marquis À Cheval. Balottades Par Le Droite" – Plate/Folio 32 From William Cavendish's

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This is an original antique hand-colored copper engraving, plate/folio 32, from the renowned 1658 edition (or close contemporary printing) of … Read more This is an original antique hand-colored copper engraving, plate/folio 32, from the renowned 1658 edition (or close contemporary printing) of William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle's seminal work on horsemanship: Methode et Invention Nouvelle de dresser les chevaux (Method and New Invention for Training Horses). The scene depicts Monseigneur le Marquis à Cheval (likely a noble demonstrating advanced dressage maneuvers) on a rearing black horse in a grand architectural setting with a fortified castle ("Bolsouer" / "Belgouer" labeled, referring to Bolsover Castle, Cavendish's residence). The rider is in period attire (feathered hat, whip, ornate saddle), executing "balottades" (a high-school dressage leap/ballotade movement).
Key Features & Details:
• Engraver/Designer notes: "Balconades / Balottades par le Droit" (variant spelling; attributed to engraver Peeter Clouwet or similar after Abraham van Diepenbeeck's designs).
• Hand-colored in period palette (sepia tones, greens, reds, blacks) with fine line work typical of 17th-century Flemish/French equestrian plates.
• Evidence of originality: Vertical crease/fold (from being bound in a folio volume), plate number 32 visible, authentic ink texture and age-appropriate paper toning.
• Ornate vintage frame: Black with gold scrolling/gilt accents and inner gold liner (mid-20th century or earlier; adds display value).
• Overall size: Approx. 20–24" x 16–18" image area (frame larger; confirm measurements).
• Condition: Good for age – minor foxing/toning expected; no major tears/cracks visible; glass-fronted and well-preserved.
• Text in plate: "Monseigneur le Marquis à Cheval" / "Balottades par le Droite" / castle label "Bolsouer" / scene details.
A highly collectible piece of sporting art from one of the most influential horsemanship treatises ever published. Ideal for equestrian enthusiasts, historians, French/English decor, or library/wall display. Strong provenance potential as an extracted folio plate. See less