Horse standing on a field in profile to left 1809

Adam von Bartsch rendered this horse standing in profile on a field with etching. The horse, an enduring symbol of power and freedom, transcends mere representation here. We find echoes of equestrian statues from antiquity to the Renaissance, each bearing a similar message of dominance and control. Yet, consider how the horse has evolved—from a chariot-pulling war machine to a symbol of leisure and rural life. In ancient Greece, the horse was associated with Poseidon, embodying raw, untamed power. This primal energy persists, even as the horse transitions through various cultural roles. Think of the dreams of flying as a horse; this recurring motif suggests our subconscious longing for liberation, an emotional connection that resonates across millennia. The horse, therefore, is not static. It is a dynamic carrier of collective memory, constantly reshaped by our desires and experiences.