Order of the Day 1835

Editor: This is "Order of the Day" by Auguste Raffet. It's a print, and the soldiers lined up create a feeling of anticipation. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: Well, the most potent symbol is probably the horse, representing power, leadership, and, in a military context, the might of the state. Note how the officer on horseback reads an order. Editor: So, the horse isn't just transportation, but a symbol of authority? Curator: Precisely! It elevates the officer, both physically and symbolically, reinforcing his command and the order he delivers. The print evokes a powerful cultural memory. Editor: I never thought about how animals could be symbols of power like that. I'll definitely look at art differently now. Curator: And I’ll reflect on how we assign meaning to animals in our present day!