Paard 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth rendered this drawing of a horse with black chalk on paper. Veth was active at a time when the Netherlands was grappling with rapid industrialization and urbanization, so it’s interesting to consider the cultural position of the horse, increasingly relegated to the realm of sport and leisure rather than labor. The horse's calm demeanor and the artist's delicate handling of light and shadow bring a sense of intimacy to the artwork. The horse is presented in profile, its head and neck filling the frame, which invites us to consider the relationship between humans and animals. The horse is adorned with a bridle, a symbol of control and domestication, yet Veth's artistic skill imbues the animal with a quiet dignity. The drawing invites reflection on themes of freedom, control, and the complex ways in which we perceive and interact with the natural world.