Stefano della BellaItalian, 1610–1664Polish Horseman
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Polish Horseman” now? Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
The Polish winged hussars were the most feared cavalry unit in mid-17th-century Europe. They charged directly at the opposing army in tight formation at full speed, splintering the enemy’s ranks. Constructed out of brightly colored ostrich, goose, or swan feathers and affixed via a wooden arch to the horseman’s back, the wings also created tremendous noise. The clatter and hiss of a legion of these riders thundering down frightened horse and foot soldier alike, and enemies of Poland sometimes surrendered on sight.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Details
- Accession number
- 1982.55
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0
