Staden Vismars belejring og overgivelse til Kong Christian V 1792 - 1796

This engraving by Georg Haas captures the siege and surrender of the city of Wismar to King Christian V. Dominating the scene are the triumphant figures on horseback, symbols of power and authority. The horse, a recurring motif throughout art history, serves as more than mere transport; it embodies virility, control, and martial prowess. We see echoes of this in the equestrian statues of Roman emperors, a display of dominance, a motif mirrored in countless depictions of rulers throughout the ages. Yet, here, amidst the smoke and chaos of battle, the horse takes on a deeper psychological resonance, representing not just power but the untamed instincts harnessed by civilization. Consider how the symbolism of the horse has been passed down through history. From the classical world to the Renaissance and beyond. In each era, its meaning has been shaped by cultural and historical forces, evolving yet retaining a connection to its primal origins. It is through this non-linear, cyclical progression that symbols like the horse resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.