The Celebrated Trotting Mare Lucy 

This print of the celebrated trotting mare Lucy was produced by Currier and Ives. The dynamic image captures the mare in full stride, embodying a sense of power and speed, echoing ancient depictions of horses in mythology and warfare. The horse, from the classical steeds of Poseidon to the steeds of the Apocalypse, has carried symbolic weight across cultures. Here, the accentuated musculature and extended limbs of Lucy evoke a classical ideal, yet are harnessed to the modern spectacle of racing. Consider how the figure of the horse has evolved from a symbol of untamed nature to one of harnessed power, reflecting humanity’s changing relationship with the natural world. The collective fascination with speed and competition taps into primal instincts, drawing viewers into the drama of the race. Notice how Lucy's straining muscles mirror our own aspirations and struggles. This interplay between tradition and modernity, instinct and control, creates a rich tapestry of meaning. The horse, a potent symbol, transcends time, resurfacing in new contexts while retaining echoes of its ancient significance.