Ruiter met hond 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created the drawing *Ruiter met hond* sometime during his lifetime, which stretched from 1763 to 1838. Van den Bos lived during a period of immense social and political upheaval, including the rise and fall of Napoleon. Rendered in brown ink, the artwork depicts a man on horseback accompanied by a dog. It speaks to traditional images of masculinity and power often associated with equestrian portraits. However, there is a notable absence of context; the rider's expression is obscured, and the landscape is vaguely defined. This ambiguity invites us to consider the complexities inherent in representations of authority. Does the somewhat frantic image of the dog disrupt the traditional composure associated with such portraits? How might the artist's own experiences and beliefs have influenced his approach to this well-established genre? The drawing prompts a dialogue between historical expectations and individual expression. It reminds us that identity is not static, but shaped by the ever-shifting currents of personal experience and cultural change.