Gezicht op de Grote Markt in Brussel met het Huis van de Hertogen van Brabant 1866 - 1870

This photograph by Jules Hippolyte Quéval captures the Grote Markt in Brussels, dominated by the House of the Dukes of Brabant, its facade adorned with intricate sculptures. Notice the horse at the top of the building, a symbol of power and nobility, echoing equestrian statues throughout history, from ancient Roman emperors to Renaissance monarchs. This motif is not merely decorative; it taps into a collective memory, a primal association of the horse with dominion and strength. Consider how this symbol has persisted, evolving yet retaining its core essence. In ancient Greece, the horse was linked to Poseidon, god of the seas, while in medieval Europe, it became the mount of knights, symbols of chivalry. The image of the horse elicits a sense of awe, reminding us of humanity's enduring fascination with power.