Gezadeld paard 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a saddled horse, now at the Rijksmuseum. The horse, a powerful symbol throughout history, has been a companion to humans in war, agriculture, and transportation. Here, the image resonates with the animal's raw energy, hinting at a deeper, perhaps subconscious, connection between humanity and nature. Consider the horses of the Parthenon frieze or the steeds in Paolo Uccello’s "Battle of San Romano." From classical antiquity to the Renaissance, the horse has signified status, power, and virility. Over time, the horse’s symbolism has evolved, yet its primal association with strength and freedom remains. Breitner’s sketch touches on something timeless. It is a resurgence of an ancient motif, filtered through a modern sensibility. The emotional impact is unmistakable, tapping into our collective memory.