Jan Thomas – Gundakar, Prince Dietrichstein in a costume for a horse-ballet, performed in honor of the arrival of the Infanta Margarita Teresa, bride of Emperor Leopold I. Kunsthistorisches Museum

The composition presents a figure mounted on horseback against a backdrop of a dramatic, turbulent sky. The individual is elaborately costumed, and the horse similarly adorned, suggesting a theatrical or ceremonial occasion. A handwritten inscription at the bottom identifies the subject as Gundakar Fürst Dietrichstein.
Here we see the rider positioned centrally within the frame, his posture conveying an air of both authority and playful extravagance. His costume appears to be constructed from foliage – leaves, branches, and what seem like fireworks – creating a dense, almost overwhelming visual effect. The headpiece is particularly striking; it resembles a miniature forest or elaborate headdress, further emphasizing the theatrical nature of the scene. The horse’s harness mirrors this botanical ornamentation, blurring the distinction between rider and mount.
The background landscape is minimal, with a suggestion of distant buildings visible on the horizon line. This limited depth of field directs attention to the central figure and his extravagant attire. The sky, rendered in swirling blues and greys, contributes to an atmosphere of heightened drama and spectacle. It’s not merely a backdrop but seems to actively participate in the overall visual narrative.
Subtexts within this work revolve around themes of power, display, and theatricality. The elaborate costume suggests a deliberate performance – a carefully constructed persona intended to impress or entertain. The use of foliage might symbolize fertility, growth, or even a connection to nature, while the fireworks allude to celebration and grandeur. Gundakar’s posture, though regal, also carries an element of amusement, hinting at a self-aware indulgence in spectacle.
The painting likely served as documentation of a specific event – a horse ballet performed for a royal occasion. It is not simply a portrait but rather a visual record of a carefully orchestrated display designed to celebrate the arrival of a bride and solidify social standing through elaborate performance. The artist’s focus isnt on realistic representation, but on capturing the essence of this extravagant moment and conveying its significance through symbolic imagery and dramatic composition.