Horseman 1947

Curator: Here we have "Horseman," by Marino Marini. Editor: It’s strangely unsettling; the horse looks stiff, almost mechanical, and the rider seems passive, disconnected. Curator: Marini repeatedly explored this theme. The motif became a symbol of humanity facing a changing, often turbulent, world, especially post-war. Editor: The rough texture and weighty material clearly speak to a sense of burden. You can imagine the physical labor involved in crafting this. Curator: Indeed. It reflects the anxiety prevalent in Europe at the time, a questioning of traditional values and heroic ideals. It's a very public facing, politically-charged piece. Editor: I see that—but for me, the focus is on the materiality. The tension feels inherent to the bronze, as if it's resisting being shaped, being ridden. Curator: The piece certainly invites multiple interpretations. Its power comes from that very ambiguity. Editor: Absolutely. I find its physicality and social underpinnings deeply compelling.