Trotting along the banks of history, on top of a saddle, the Network of European Royal Residences invites everyone to encounter a heritage which has shaped the lives of kings, queens, knights and peasants. Horsing around European Courts is the second joint European project by the Network, developed within the framework of the 2024 Olympic Games’ equestrian competitions hosted at the Palace of Versailles. Highlighting horses and the equestrian arts is a way to tell the story of royal residences from an original point of view, establishing them as an essential part of tangible and intangible European heritage.
SOME MASTERPIECES FROM ALL OVER EUROPE
Louis XIV, roi de France (1638-1715), René-Antoine Houasse
Château de Versailles, FranceLouis XIV, roi de France (1638-1715), René-Antoine Houasse
Of mysterious origin, this portrait is attested in the royal collections only in 1709. Louis XIV is depicted as a war king, brandishing a baton of command. The age of the sovereign allows us to propose a dating and situate the scene during the Dutch War (1672-1679).
“Caballo blanco”, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez
Royal Palace of Madrid, Patrimonio Nacional, Spain“Caballo blanco”, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez
This white, corpulent, rearing horse was found, upon Velázquez’s death, in his office at the Casa del Tesoro and waiting for its rider. It perfectly illustrates the technical mastery and style of the painter of Philip IV.
Equestrian Portrait of Stanisław Kostka Potocki, Jacques Louis David
Museum of King Jan III’s in Wilanów, PolandEquestrian Portrait of Stanisław Kostka Potocki, Jacques Louis David
The equestrian portrait of the 26 years-old Stanisław Kostka Potocki is one of the most valuable paintings in Polish museum collections. It possesses special relevance for the Wilanów gallery not only as a magnificent work by Jacques Louis David, but also because it shows the owner of the palace (1799-1821), a known collector of art and the founder in 1805 of one of the oldest museums in Poland.
“Herd of Horses” Károly Lotz
Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Hungary“Herd of Horses” Károly Lotz
This painting returned to its original place in the riding hall of the Royal Palace of Gödöllő. The painting, which shows more than 50 figures of horses, was moved from the Gödöllő Palace to the Palace in Buda during the 1930s. The artwork was damaged during World War II. It was then unframed, rolled up and placed in the storage of the Hungarian National Gallery.
Balagulski style harness
Royal Łazienki Museum, PolandBalagulski style harness
Balagulski style harness from East Europe in the 19th century. Made in leather, brass and iron.
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European Agenda
To see the whole agenda, click on : https://openagenda.com/en/horsing-around-european-courts
European Documentary Ressources
Professionals of European Royal Residences work since years about horses and the equestrian arts. Famous paintings, stables as architectural monument, place and uses of the horses in the European Royal Courts, etc. Discover below some existing ressources on our members’ website !