Man on Horseback 

Antoine Jacquard created this engraving entitled 'Man on Horseback' sometime between 1620 and 1650. It is a period of immense social and political upheaval across Europe, shaped by religious conflicts and burgeoning imperial ambitions. Jacquard's portrayal of a man on horseback goes beyond a simple depiction, embedding itself within the visual rhetoric of power and authority. Consider the figure's assured stance amidst what seems like a blaze beneath the horse, and the armed figures surrounding him, indicating his dominance in a martial or leadership context. The surrounding ornamentation, with cherubic figures, might suggest a divine endorsement of his authority. In Jacquard’s era, class dictated the very possibility of equestrian pursuits, so in viewing it now we are compelled to recognize the historical links between power, representation, and social stratification. The print invites us to reflect on the narratives of valor and leadership that have been historically promoted.