Artwork
Rearing Horse and Rider

Rearing Horse and Rider is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Antonio Tempesta. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2003.274
- Credit line
- Bequest of Nicholas J. Velloney
About this work
Overview
Rearing Horse and Rider is a drawing created by Antonio Tempesta, an Italian artist, around 1600. Characterized by a bold, single reddish-brown line with no shading or background, the work depicts a dramatic scene of a horse rearing on its hind legs while a rider clings to its neck.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing captures a moment of intense dynamic movement, featuring a rearing horse with wildly kicking front legs and a rider tightly grasping its neck. This motif reflects Tempesta’s focus on dramatic action, common in his oeuvre.
Technique & Style
Executed in a single reddish-brown line without shading or background, the drawing’s simplicity contrasts with the turmoil of the scene. The style suggests a sketch or preliminary work rather than a finished piece, highlighting Tempesta’s emphasis on capturing movement.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Antonio Tempesta based on the signature 'Tempesta' in the corner, the drawing dates to around 1600, a period when Tempesta’s work bridged Baroque Rome and Antwerp’s artistic traditions.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Antonio Tempesta, also called il Tempestino (1555 – 5 August 1630), was an Italian painter and engraver, whose art acted as a point of connection between Baroque Rome and the culture of Antwerp.


















