Study for an Equestrian Portrait of the Duke of Lerma

"Study for an Equestrian Portrait of the Duke of Lerma" is a dynamic Baroque sketch and study by Sir Peter Paul Rubens, renowned for his passionate compositions emphasizing movement, color, and sensuality. Rendered in pen and ink on paper, this preparatory work captures the grandeur and authority of the duke on horseback, demonstrating Rubens's mastery in capturing both the physical form and the commanding presence. As a quintessential Baroque artist, Rubens's sketch and study reveal his process of exploring composition and movement before creating a full portrait, emphasizing his erudite references to classical and Christian themes.