Levade 

Jacob Jordaens painted this dramatic scene, “Levade,” employing oil on canvas sometime in the 17th century. At its heart, a rearing horse becomes more than mere animal; it is an emblem of power and vitality, frozen mid-motion. The levade itself – this rearing posture – resonates across history, echoing in equestrian statues from antiquity through the Renaissance. Think of the Roman emperors astride their steeds, symbols of dominance. Yet, observe how Jordaens subtly transforms it. Here, the horse is not just a symbol of brute force, but a dynamic, almost theatrical, expression of energy. Consider, too, the figures flanking the horse. Classical allusions abound, linking this scene to an idealized past. These echoes, however, are never exact; they transform and adapt, resonating with our collective memories. The symbolism suggests a cyclical progression, a journey of rebirth and renewal. This motif has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings, shifting across centuries.