A realistic painting of a man on horseback. Name the above painting and its artist. What was the purpose of equestrian portraits in history?

The painting is The Equestrian Portrait of Philip IV by Diego Velazquez. The equestrian portraits were a way to paint rulers as big and powerful people who were in control.

Explanation:

The painting is called The Equestrian Portrait of Philip IV or Philip IV on Horseback. It was painted by  Diego Velazquez and it presents the King of Spain, riding a prancing horse.

Leaders and rulers were often painted on a horse, creating a special category of equestrian portraits. This pose and scene proved to be extremely popular as the horse made the leader look higher and larger. They would seem more powerful, focused, and able to take control over wild animals such as horses. It also was the way to portray the ruler as ready for the battle – leaders would often lead their men into the battles while riding the horse, so people would automatically connect that ruler on the horse was ready to bravely go to the war and take a win.