Horse Jumping Through Hoop c. 1865

This sculpture, "Horse Jumping Through Hoop," was made by A.L. Jewell & Company. The piece presents a copper horse frozen mid-leap, its form a study in dynamic tension. The sculpture uses horizontal emphasis, its body stretched, which imbues it with a sense of forward momentum. The green patina, unevenly distributed, adds a layer of depth and complexity, hinting at the passage of time. The hoop itself serves as more than just a visual element; it frames the horse's action, creating a dialogue between containment and freedom. The horse's posture, frozen at the apex of its jump, introduces a play of balance and imbalance. We can see the sculpture using signs that embody the spirit of progress, a concept deeply embedded in the American psyche of the time. Consider how the artist plays with form and line. It challenges our perceptions, inviting us to consider the interplay between stasis and motion.