Artwork Page for Man on a Horse

Details / Information for Man on a Horse

Man on a Horse

c. 1860s

Nadar

(French, 1820–1910)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
albumen print from wet collodion negative
Measurements
Image: 17 x 22.3 cm (6 11/16 x 8 3/4 in.); Matted: 35.6 x 45.7 cm (14 x 18 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Robert Hershkowitz and Charles Isaacs 1996.336
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
230 Photography
Print
?

Did You Know?

The photographic equipment of the 1860s required a long exposure; it was hard to get a horse to remain perfectly still for a long time.

Description

Nadar attempted a few such portraits in the 1860s including this one showing a gentleman astride his mount. The genre of equestrian portraiture dates back to classical Greek and Roman antiquity, when it was used to depict rulers and suggest power and status.
A horizontally oriented albumen print in warm sepia tones depicts a man in a tall light top hat sitting atop a horse. Facing right while looking toward us, his dark jacket contrasts with his light trousers. The horse stands in profile on pale ground against a stone wall. The man and horse are sharply detailed, while the background foliage and pillars appear softly blurred, capturing the fine texture and depth characteristic of the photographic medium.

Man on a Horse

c. 1860s

Nadar

(French, 1820–1910)
France, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork