Paardenkar 1873 - 1874

This etching by Jules-Jacques Veyrassat depicts a horse-drawn cart, a common sight reflecting rural life and agricultural labor. The horse, beyond its literal representation, carries symbolic weight, reminiscent of classical iconography. Consider the steeds of Apollo, driving the sun chariot across the sky, or the horses of Poseidon, gods embodying power and vitality. Here, the horse's presence evokes a deep-seated connection to nature and the rhythms of life. These symbols recur throughout art history. Think of the Roman triumphal arches, where horses symbolized conquest, or the equestrian statues of emperors, projecting authority and control. This imagery, however, has evolved over time, shifting from divine associations to symbols of mundane labor and transportation. The act of harnessing animals for work taps into our collective memory of humanity's relationship with nature. This image evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, stirring subconscious emotions connected to tradition and the land.