Strand met paarden en schuiten 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve captured this sketch of horses and boats on paper, with graphite. The dominant image here is the horse, an archetype rich in meaning across cultures and eras. Consider how the horse has evolved from a symbol of untamed nature to one of harnessed power, mirroring humanity's own trajectory. Think of the classical world’s equestrian statues of emperors, contrasting sharply with the wild, untamed horses of Romantic painters. Here, Mauve's horses seem to bridge both worlds. The collective memory of the horse—its strength, grace, and the roles it has played in our lives—resonates deeply. It is through images like these that we confront our own history and relationship with the natural world, a powerful force engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. Notice how the composition and sparse use of line evoke a sense of melancholy. It's a cyclical progression; a symbol that resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in each historical context.