Van Dyck probably made this drawing as a preparatory study for the lifesize equestrian portrait of Albert de Ligne, prince of Brabançon and Arenberg (Holkham Hall, Norfolk), which he painted about 1628–32. The sitter was commander in chief of the Spanish forces in Bohemia, Westphalia, and the Netherlands. Van Dyck's choice of a rear view adds decorative bravado to the image by integrating the horse's flowing mane and tail with the sitter's elegant sash and dashing feathered hat.

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