Horses 1624 - 1663

Editor: This is "Horses," a drawing in ink on paper by Francesco Allegrini, created sometime between 1624 and 1663. I find it so intriguing how he's captured these horses in different poses with such simple lines. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: The most compelling aspect lies in the dynamic interplay between the figures and the implied space. Notice how the horses are not simply representations, but rather structural components defining the visual field. The artist employs a subtle gradation of line weight to suggest depth, yet avoids any illusionistic tricks that would compromise the surface integrity of the paper. Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't considered the "surface integrity." What do you make of the horses’ poses? Curator: Precisely, it is the spatial relationships, rather than narrative concerns, that engage us. The positioning and direction in which each figure stands, dictates how we perceive each section of this work. We might interpret them as an investigation of the form, a way to showcase a study in angles through each animal. Note how the positioning dictates the energy within the work and informs the relationship to line itself. It makes you think, no? Editor: Yes, the arrangement of the horses to create the effect. Now I see it. Curator: Good, good! That’s one formalist interpretation we can offer audiences, using semiotics of implied space within landscape to show its complexity in plain sight. Editor: Okay, this definitely gives me a new appreciation for this kind of ink drawing! Thanks for opening my eyes to seeing Allegrini’s work beyond the horses themselves!