Mythological Pageant (recto); Illegible Inscriptions and Anatomical Studies of Head (verso) 1528 - 1529

This drawing was made by Genga around the year 1500, and it captures a Mythological Pageant. In it, we see classical figures in dynamic poses, many on horseback, amidst architectural ruins, evoking a sense of ancient grandeur. Note the recurring motif of the horse and rider, a symbol deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. This pairing has been used for centuries, from the Roman equestrian statues embodying power to the allegorical representations of virtues in Renaissance art. It speaks to our primal desire for mastery and control over nature. Think of the Triumph of Death fresco in Palermo, where death rides a horse, carrying the scythe and cutting down people from all social classes. The emotional power of such images lies in their ability to tap into our subconscious, reminding us of our own mortality and the eternal struggle between order and chaos. It's a continuous cycle—a dance between the past and the present—where symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, ever engaging us on a profound, subconscious level.