Equestrian portrait of a lady, said to be Lady Elizabeth Foster Richard Cosway (1742-1821)

The drawing presents a woman mounted on a white horse, rendered in a loose, expressive style suggestive of pastel or chalk. The composition is dominated by the figure of the rider and her mount, set against a turbulent background that obscures any clear sense of location.
Here we see the lady positioned centrally, facing forward with an air of confident composure. Her posture is upright, suggesting authority and control. She wears elaborate attire: a wide-brimmed hat adorned with feathers and flowers, a flowing cloak draped over her shoulders, and what appears to be a riding habit beneath. The details of her face are rendered with a delicate touch, conveying an impression of refinement and intelligence.
The horse is depicted in mid-stride, its musculature suggested through rapid strokes of chalk or pastel. Its color contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the background and the lady’s cloak, drawing immediate attention to it as a symbol of power and nobility. The animals size appears somewhat exaggerated relative to the rider, further emphasizing her dominance.
The backdrop is characterized by swirling clouds and indistinct forms, executed in cool blues and yellows. This atmospheric treatment creates a sense of dynamism and movement, while also contributing to an overall feeling of ambiguity. It’s difficult to discern any specific landscape features; instead, the focus remains firmly on the central figures.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of female agency and social status. The ladys confident posture and elaborate attire suggest a woman of considerable wealth and influence. Her position atop the horse reinforces this impression, aligning her with traditional symbols of power and leadership. The turbulent background might be interpreted as representing the challenges or complexities she navigates within her societal sphere.
The artist’s choice to employ a loose, expressive style contributes to the drawings overall impact. It conveys a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, while also allowing for a degree of interpretation on the part of the viewer. The lack of precise detail encourages engagement with the emotional content of the work rather than a purely representational reading.