Et gårdsrum med en ædende hest 1858

Johannes Wilhelm Zillen etched this little courtyard scene with an eating horse. The horse, a symbol of strength and labor, stands here calmly, consuming its sustenance. The gesture of eating, seemingly simple, echoes through time. Think of ancient harvest festivals, where animals were celebrated for their role in providing food. This motif of nourishment recurs in various guises. Consider images of the Cornucopia, or even the Eucharist—each a symbolic representation of sustenance and life's continuation. Through our collective memory, the act of eating is deeply linked to survival and prosperity. The horse, by feeding, reassures us of nature's cyclical rhythm and its promise of renewal. Isn't it curious how this seemingly mundane scene resonates with such profound and ancient themes, engaging our subconscious with images of life and continuity?