After Abraham van Diepenbeeck (1596-1675) French or Flemish, 17th century

entitled: La Nouvelle invention pour les airs a Courbettes de ferme à ferme sur les voltes a Droite, et en arriere, et de côté â Droite, and Le Cheval seul sans personne dessus Monseigneur le Marquis travaille estant à pied et le Capitaine Mazin luj aÿde, and with further explanatory inscriptions

Rudolf Just, Prague, Czech Republic;
his sale, Sotheby's London, 11 December 2001, lot 172

Overall the condition of the panel is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few scratches and areas of wear to the gold ground. The glass is uneven at the edges. The frame is in good condition with minor wear. The paper sealing the panel to the frame at the back has been broken. There are printed and ink inscriptions to the reverse, and an old collection label inscribed: 319.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This extraordinary verre églomisé (reverse painted gilt glass) panel shows plate 23, page 132, from William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle's work on horsemanship, Méthode et invention nouvelle de dresser les chevaux, which was published in Antwerp in 1658 and illustrated by the Netherlandish painter Abraham van Diepenbeeck. Interestingly van Diepenbeeck began his career as a glass painter, and so may possibly have been involved in the making of this panel. It is most probable that the present panel was conceived as part of a larger series.