An extraordinary pair of oversize reverse glass polychrome painted engravings drawn by Dutch Baroque artist Abraham van Diepenbeeck (1596-1675) a multifaceted and talented painter, designer of tapestries, ecclesiastical stained glass windows and book illustrations. As a painter, he was known as a fine glass painter and later collaborated with Rubens on various projects. The engraving of these illustrations by van Diepenbeeck was done by Peter Clouet and Lucas Vorsterman the Younger, whose names are signed in the engravings as well. What we see here is Bolsover at the height of its glory, construction of the new Terrace Range apparently complete, in these images from the publication “La Methode et Invention nouvelle de Dresser les Chevaux” commissioned by William Cavendish (1592-1676) here labeled “M. le Marquis”). Cavendish was an early and influential enthusiast of dressage who became the first Duke of Newcastle upon the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. The original date of publication was 1657-58 in Antwerp. This was during Cavendish’s exile in Europe (after the fall of Charles I.)

Two of his fabulous steeds, a striking bald face chestnut and a dark bay are here immortalized, executing some of the most advanced and difficult “airs above ground” moves in the dressage lexicon: Caprioles, left and right. A partial set of these plates is in the collection of the British Museum. Finely framed in painted and parcel gilded frames. These are likely 18th century impressions of the original plates on glass. Good antique condition, little spots of delamination to the glass.

H: 19 W: 24 ¼ D: ¾