On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01178
- Author
- Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
- Title
- Felipe IV on Horseback
- Chronology
- 1631-1636
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 303 cm x 317 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
The son of Felipe III (1578-1621)
and Margarita de Austria
(1584-1611), Felipe IV was born in
1605 and died in 1665.
This work is considered completely
by Velasquez's hand and presents a
personal reflection on a genre that
had great prestige in the court:
equestrian portraiture. It is quite
probable that Velasquez drew on
examples by Titian —Carlos V at the
Battle of Mühlberg (P410)— and
Reubens when he began the present
work.
Velasquez eschews all rhetoric
here, focusing on transmitting what
is essential: an image of the King
armed as a general, who confidently
dominates the impetus of his
rearing horse and is thus able to
bear the reins of his State and of
his own character with a firm hand.
His upright posture and firm
gesture add to the sense of
majesty.
Proof of the artist's care in
making this portrait are the
corrections —pentimenti— visible on
the king's head, bust and leg, and
on the horse's back legs and tail.
Location on the map
