Horse Galloping to the Left c. 16th century

Curator: The forward momentum is undeniable. The horse depicted in this print seems to burst off the page. Editor: Indeed. And what we have here is an etching by Antonio Tempesta, who lived from 1555 to 1630. It's titled "Horse Galloping to the Left," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Curator: Consider the horse as a recurring symbol throughout history: an emblem of power, freedom, and even sexuality. Tempesta's horse embodies a particularly masculine energy. Editor: Yes, the muscularity is emphasized by the etching technique. In terms of symbolism, horses connect us to ancient mythologies but also to more recent colonial histories and power struggles. Curator: I'm struck by how the horse's powerful movement is almost defiant, leaping away from the confines of the page. Editor: Certainly. Thinking about the historical period, horses served myriad roles in war, agriculture, and transport, and they continue to inspire us today. Curator: It reminds us how intertwined our own histories are with the fates and representations of these animals. Editor: Absolutely, a potent reminder of the symbolic weight of the horse.