Vignet efter tegning af J. Th. Lundbye samt håndskreven tekst af Karl Madsen. Løsblad 1847

This vignette by Johan Thomas Lundbye, rendered in pen and ink, presents a bucolic scene of horses in a field, accompanied by handwritten text. The horse, a prominent symbol here, has been laden with meaning across cultures, from representing nobility and power to freedom and untamed nature. Consider how horses appear in classical art, such as the steeds of the Greek gods, symbols of virility and control. Now, reflect on the image of the horse in more Nordic contexts, where they were closely related to notions of land, travel, and exploration. The presence of these animals may evoke a sense of freedom and connection to nature. It taps into a deep-seated longing for an idealized past. Through the ages, the horse remains a potent symbol, embodying a complex interplay of cultural values and subconscious desires. This reflects the constant re-emergence and transformation of symbols.