Staand paard en een zadel 1872 - 1879

Here we have a drawing by George Hendrik Breitner at the Rijksmuseum, depicting a standing horse and a saddle. In art, the horse is a potent symbol, often representing vitality, freedom, and martial prowess. Yet here, the horse stands quietly, its energy seemingly contained. The presence of the saddle introduces a dynamic tension. One can see how throughout history, from ancient friezes to Renaissance paintings, saddled horses often signify readiness, power, and the bond between man and animal. However, here the saddle lies on the ground, apart from the horse, suggesting a pause, a moment of rest or perhaps even abandonment. The horse, an enduring motif, undergoes a transformation from a symbol of unbridled energy to one of subdued stillness, reflecting the shifting cultural and psychological landscapes across time. As the symbol passes through time it collects new layers of meaning. Consider how its raw, subconscious power continues to resonate, inviting us to reflect on our own relationship with nature and the forces that shape our inner lives.