Who is Khosrow Salehi and why is he linked to the Spanish Riding School?

Khosrow Salehi was born in 1952 in Iran and later settled in Austria, where he built a career as a painter and printmaker. His connection to the Spanish Riding School comes from his fascination with classical European culture. Vienna, where he worked for many years, provided direct access to the school’s performances and rehearsals. Salehi’s artistic style often blends impressionist and expressionist elements. His depictions of horses stand out for their fluid movement rather than strict anatomical detail. This approach suits the Lipizzaner horses, known for their controlled steps such as the levade and capriole. By the late 1990s, Salehi had produced a series of prints dedicated to these horses, which became some of his most recognisable works. His prints appeal to both art collectors and equestrian enthusiasts. Auction records from Austria and Germany show steady demand, with some works resold multiple times over two decades, indicating ongoing interest in his interpretation of this historic institution.