The Instruction of the King in the Horseback Riding Exercises ( L’ Instruction du Roy, en L’Exercise de Monter a Cheval )

These two prints are from “The Instruction of the King in the Horseback Riding Exercises ( L’ Instruction du Roy, en L’Exercise de Monter a Cheval )” and are hand colored -engravings. This publication of 253 pages and 50 plates was written by Antoine de Pluvinel ( 155-1620 ) and drawn and engraved by the Dutch engraver Crispijn de Passe II (c. 1597-1670 ). It was first published in Paris around 1623-26 and in later 17th c. editions. We do not know the exact edition of these prints. In 1594 Pluvinel founded his own Academie in Paris where horsemanship and mathematics were taught. He was also the riding instructor of King Louis XIII of France. Crispijn de Passe II (or the Younger) was part of a printmaking and publishing dynasty founded by his father, Crispijn de Passe the Elder (1564-1637). These two scarce 17th century hand -colored engravings are in good condition with some overall wear and are considered some of his finest works. Overall size 14 x 17.50 platemark size 12.75 x 16.25.