Fallen Horse and Dead Knight c. 1827 - 1829

Eugène Delacroix rendered this drawing of a fallen horse and a dead knight with graphite on paper. The rearing horse, a prominent motif, embodies a primal scream against defeat. We see echoes of this symbol throughout history, from the horses of the Apocalypse to the nightmares of Goya. The horse, once a symbol of nobility and power, here lies broken, mirroring the knight's defeat. Consider the psychological weight of this image, as the rearing horse echoes in ancient friezes and Renaissance battle scenes. This primal scream of the horse resonates, a visceral cry against the inevitable decay. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of history, where symbols are reborn, laden with new emotional weight and psychological power. The image transcends mere representation, engaging our subconscious on a profound level.