Ruiter naar rechts 1669 - 1717

Dirk Maas etched this print of a rider facing right in the late 17th or early 18th century. Notice the horse rearing up. This isn’t merely a depiction of horsemanship; it’s a symbol with deep roots. The rearing horse, a motif we see echoing through antiquity to the Renaissance, embodies power, control, and even triumph. Think of the Roman equestrian statues or Renaissance paintings of victorious knights. This dynamic pose transcends mere representation, tapping into an archetypal image of mastery and nobility. Consider how the horse, often wild and untamed, is brought under the rider’s command. This control, this dominance over nature, speaks to a profound human desire. It's a recurring theme, surfacing time and again in our art, literature, and even our dreams, reflecting an ongoing negotiation between instinct and intellect. The image resonates today, echoing through cultural memory, reminding us of the powerful, often subconscious, currents that shape our perceptions and desires.