A Black Man Feeding a Horse

Stefano Della Bella

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two men and two horses in a sketch. The larger man in the foreground is visible from head to waist, facing slightly away from the viewer, gazing toward the right side of the image. His facial features appear detailed yet undefined due to the sketch style, and his hair is covered by a wrapped turban. He wears a garment with fur or heavy fabric draped over one shoulder, alongside a clothing piece gathered and secured at the waist. He is accompanied by a horse with detailed eyes and an elaborate headdress featuring plumes and decorative chain-like elements. In the background, a smaller figure on horseback is positioned to the right, gesturing with one hand and wearing similarly styled clothing. The background is minimal, primarily consisting of a textured, stippled area.