Ruiterstandbeeld van de prins van Oranje, 1815 1815 - 1820

This anonymous drawing from 1815-1820, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a design for a monumental equestrian statue of the Prince of Orange. The simple pencil lines depict the prince in full military regalia, mounted on a rearing horse and positioned atop a multi-tiered pedestal. This preliminary sketch, likely for a public monument, offers insight into the design process of grand-scale sculptures during the early 19th century. It anticipates a heroic and imposing representation of the prince, a prominent figure in Dutch history. The use of delicate lines and a focus on the form is characteristic of preliminary drawings for sculptures.