3-068-834 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Equestrian Portrait of John III Sobieski (1629-1696), King of Poland, 4th quarter of 17th century. Additional Info: Jan III Sobieski [John III Sobieski] was a very popular figure, as evidenced by his numerous portraits made throughout his reign, but also long afterwards. The images of the king are mainly bust portraits, typical of the old Polish noble depictions. Depictions on a horse are relatively rare. Imaging people in full length, riding a horse, was a type reserved for leaders and rulers. Before he was elected king, Sobieski was the Grand Hetman of the Crown, and his election was significantly influenced by the victory over Turks at Chocim a year earlier, in 1673. This portrait perhaps based on the engraving depicting this battle, with Sobieski riding a horse against its background.