Horse Walking over a Mound, Viewed from the Rear c. 16th century

Editor: This is Antonio Tempesta's "Horse Walking over a Mound, Viewed from the Rear," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The texture created by the etching is really striking. What can you tell me about this unusual viewpoint? Curator: It's intriguing, isn't it? Seventeenth-century equestrian imagery often served specific political functions, demonstrating power or celebrating military victories. Do you notice anything subversive about this particular depiction? Editor: Well, we're not seeing a heroic rider, or any rider at all! The focus is solely on the animal, and from a rather…unflattering angle. Curator: Exactly. Tempesta might be subtly commenting on the established artistic conventions and the expectations of his patrons, challenging the typical glorification of power through these images. Editor: So it's a statement about how power is represented in art? I never would have considered that! Curator: It's a possibility! Considering the social and political role of art gives us a deeper understanding.