Military Scene with Two Horsemen c. 17th century

Curator: This is Aarnout ter Himpel's "Military Scene with Two Horsemen," a captivating circular drawing from the 17th century, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The monochromatic palette and the circular format give it an intimate, almost voyeuristic quality, don't you think? Editor: It certainly does. I'm struck by the stark use of ink and wash; you can almost feel the roughness of the paper beneath the artist's hand, a direct link to the labor and materials that shaped this piece. Curator: The horsemen, though, they represent power and authority, but also perhaps the uncertainty and instability of the time. Editor: Absolutely. And consider the economic aspect: horses, attire—these weren't accessible to everyone. This drawing hints at a complex hierarchy, reflected in the very materials and their acquisition. Curator: Agreed. It seems we're both drawn to different, but equally revealing, aspects of this small but significant work. Editor: Indeed. This exploration of both the materials and deeper symbolism gives us a richer understanding of this historical moment.