Gij ziet in deze plaat de dappre ruiterij, / In dienst van Nederland voor vorst en maatschappij. / Leer ook uit haar bedrijf derzelver waarde kennen, / En hoe zij steeds bereid naar 't veld der eer zal rennen 1822 - 1870

This print, made by Willem Bal, presents the Dutch cavalry, celebrating their service to the nation. Dominating each scene is the figure of the horseman, embodying courage and martial prowess. The horse itself is an ancient symbol, appearing in numerous cultures, from classical antiquity to the Renaissance. We see equestrian statues of Roman emperors, like Marcus Aurelius, and the enduring image of noblemen on horseback which signifies power and control. The rearing horse, a motif that suggests vitality, appears time and again. Consider the 'Hippocampus' from classical antiquity—a horse with the tail of a fish—a symbol that merges the earthly with the aquatic. The figure of the horseman evokes deep-seated, often subconscious, associations with virility, strength, and dominance. The horse becomes an extension of the rider's will, amplifying his presence. This image isn't merely about military might; it taps into our primal fascination with power and control. The symbols reappear, evolve, and resonate across time.