Klauwend paard naar links gewend 1565 - 1630

This etching, made by Antonio Tempesta around 1600, depicts a horse, its head lowered as it tends to its hoof. The horse, throughout history, has been a potent symbol of power, freedom, and nobility, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Consider the ancient Greeks, who associated horses with Poseidon, god of the sea, and used them extensively in warfare and mythology. We see echoes of this in equestrian statues of Roman emperors, symbols of authority and control. Yet, here, Tempesta presents a different perspective. The horse is not in battle, nor parading in triumph, but engaged in a humble, almost melancholic act of self-care. This simple gesture—the horse tending to its own needs—resonates across time. It reminds us that even the mightiest symbols are grounded in the everyday. This image is an invitation to reflect on the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface, evolve, and find new meaning across cultures and generations.