Albrecht Dürer’s “Knight on Horseback,” created around 1512, is a fine example of the Northern Renaissance genre painting. The artwork can be viewed at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, Italy.
The drawing depicts a knight in armor seated on a horse that appears to be calmly moving forward. The knight is outfitted in a suit of plate armor, including a helmet with a visor, and holds a lance in a position indicative of readiness for combat or perhaps a joust. The horse is also in stride, with detailed musculature and elegant, yet strong features that convey both grace and power. The artistry showcases Dürer’s skill in capturing the texture and complexity of the knight’s armor as well as the physique of the horse. The lines are precise, demonstrating the artist’s mastery in depicting the fine details of the subjects. The overall composition has a dynamic balance, emphasizing the nobility and the martial prowess of the knight.
