Gruppen von Reitern, einige mit Handpferden 1775

Ferdinand Kobell created "Gruppen von Reitern, einige mit Handpferden" using pen and brown ink, offering us a glimpse into 18th-century equestrian culture. During Kobell's time, depictions of horses and riders were entwined with aristocracy and military power. This drawing reflects the social status of horse ownership and the importance of equestrian skills. The riders, with their confident postures, are likely members of the upper class, for whom horses were both a means of transportation and a symbol of authority. However, Kobell also hints at the labor involved in maintaining this lifestyle. The hand horses suggest the logistical support needed for travel and hunting expeditions. This piece can make us reflect on the relationship between human labor and the natural world. Ultimately, Kobell's drawing is not just a depiction of a group of riders; it's a window into a world defined by social hierarchies, power dynamics, and the complex relationship between humans and animals.