Horses 1624 - 1663

"Horses" is a pen and brown ink drawing by Francesco Allegrini, an Italian painter active in Rome, created sometime in the 17th century. This drawing presents a series of horses in various dynamic poses, capturing the essence of their movement. During Allegrini's time, the horse was a symbol deeply intertwined with aristocracy and military power. Yet, here, they are rendered with a kind of tender curiosity, without riders or any sign of work. As we consider gender and power, we can see how Allegrini detaches the horse from its typical association with masculine dominance. Instead, there's an emphasis on the animal's physique and spirit. These horses evoke a sense of freedom and perhaps even resistance to being controlled or tamed. What remains is an artwork that celebrates the intrinsic beauty and energy of these animals, inviting us to reflect on the narratives we impose on them.