Riding School
1668
oil
From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
1668
oil
From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
In this painting, a group of horsemen are gathered in a clearing, surrounded by trees and a cloudy sky. Some of the men are riding horses, while others are standing on the ground, watching or holding reins. The horses are white, brown, and gray, and the men are dressed in 17th-century clothing, including hats, coats, and boots. The scene appears to be a riding school or a gathering of horse enthusiasts. The men seem to be engaged in a discussion or a lesson, and the horses are calm and well-behaved. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with a sense of camaraderie among the men. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up Philips Wouwerman.