A “Turkish Horse” of the Ottoman Empire in a 16-century illustration from the depictions and documentations of German farrier, spur, and bit maker: Hans Kreutzberger. This illustration is a particularly fascinating find as you can clearly see hallmark traits of the Turk, later Akhal-Teke, including the longer back, elegant swan neck, tapered head, long legs, modest mane, and even a suggestion of hooded eyes. The Turk horse was, after all, a breed with great reverence and presence during this time in history–particularly for the Ottomans.

Drawing photographed and shared online by Dariusz Caballeros, original from a 1562 drawing in Hans Kreutzberger’s collection.