Studieblad met vier ruiters en paarden 1675 - 1711

This study of riders and horses was created by an anonymous artist. The horse, a motif of power and freedom, has been a potent symbol across cultures and throughout history. Here, we see it bearing riders, linking its strength to human will, an ancient symbol echoing through time, from the equestrian statues of Roman emperors to Renaissance battle scenes. Consider the rearing horse, a gesture of defiance, present in both classical friezes and modern revolutionary art. This echoes the ‘Pathosformel,’ the expression of intense emotion, a visual language of collective memory. The horse transcends mere representation. It touches something primal within us, a deeply ingrained connection to nature and strength. Its recurring image serves as a conduit, channeling powerful emotions and ideas across generations.