Broadside with 48 scenes depicting circus gymnastic and equestrian exercises 1864

This 1864 broadside by José María Marés presents forty-eight vignettes of circus acts. The most prominent symbol is the horse, recurring across many scenes. Historically, the horse symbolizes power, freedom, and nobility, dating back to ancient equestrian cultures. We can observe how the horse, a powerful symbol of the aristocracy, has been brought into the circus ring. Consider the equestrian statues of Roman emperors and Renaissance dukes, these are powerful rulers depicted on horseback as symbols of control. Now, the horse is juxtaposed with the agile performers of the circus, a spectacle for the masses. This transition reflects a shift in cultural values, a democratization of what was once exclusive. The performers' acrobatic gestures evoke a primal human desire to defy physical limits. They tap into our collective memories of physical prowess and the subconscious thrill of danger, resonating on a visceral level. This non-linear journey of symbols demonstrates how potent imagery evolves, carrying echoes of the past into new, vibrant forms.