Study of a Horse in Red Chalk
Head, mane, and forequarters sketched on an irregular sheet
Drawn largely in faded red chalk on an irregularly cut sheet, the study captures a horse seen from the front and side: the arched neck and flowing mane occupy the upper part of the sheet, while the chest and forelegs descend toward the lower edge. A few later touches of black and traces of green pigment overlie the worn chalk. A collector's monogram stamp of the Biblioteca Ambrosiana appears in the lower right corner. No transcribed text accompanies the drawing.
On this page
Head, neck, and mane of the horse
The horse's head is turned and set on a strongly arched neck, with the mane swept in curling locks along the crest. The forms are laid in with soft, rubbed red chalk that has faded considerably. The lively curves of the mane give the animal a sense of movement.
Chest and forelegs
Below the neck the artist studies the swelling chest and the forelegs, the nearer leg carried down toward the lower point of the trimmed sheet and ending in a hoof. The musculature of the shoulder and leg is suggested with light chalk modelling. The study concentrates on the living stance of the animal's forequarters.