Etend paard Possibly 1624 - 1690

This small etching of a grazing horse was created by Jan van Aken in the 17th century. The horse, a symbol deeply entwined with power, virility, and freedom, stands prominently. But its act of grazing introduces a counterpoint: a moment of humble sustenance. Consider how the horse, across cultures, has been a signifier of nobility, a steed for heroes and gods alike. Yet here, van Aken presents us with a more earthly scene, a pastoral vision that echoes back to classical idyllic landscapes, and forward to Romantic notions of nature. The horse eating from a tree reminds me of medieval tapestries and illuminated manuscripts. The horse and tree also echo the Garden of Eden, suggesting a subtle commentary on man's relationship with nature. This image subtly taps into our collective memory, evoking a sense of harmony and the simple pleasures of life, deeply resonating with viewers. These symbols are not linear but cyclical, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with the natural world and our primal desires for freedom and connection.