Instelling van de Orde van het Gulden Vlies 1825 - 1869

"Instelling van de Orde van het Gulden Vlies" is a sketch for an etching by Henri Leys, dating from 1825 to 1869. The work depicts a scene of the establishment of the Order of the Golden Fleece, a prestigious order of chivalry founded in 1430. The sketch is a preliminary study for the etching, showing the artist's initial thoughts on the composition and figures. The loose, gestural lines convey a sense of movement and energy, highlighting the dynamism of the scene. The sketch, now located in the Rijksmuseum, captures Leys's keen interest in historical subjects and his meticulous attention to detail.