Arabs on the March 1848 - 1899

Adolf Schreyer captured this scene of Arabs on the March with oil on canvas. Note the prevalence of the horse as a central motif, a symbol deeply entwined with power, freedom, and virility across cultures. Throughout history, the horse has been a recurring figure, from the equestrian statues of Roman emperors to the steeds of Renaissance knights. Consider, for instance, the Winged Horses of Venice, symbols of the power of the city, or the horses in Delacroix's romantic depictions of battle. Here, the artist paints the horses in motion, suggesting not only physical movement but also the psychological dynamism of progress. This motif appears and reappears in various forms, each bearing the weight of its cultural moment. As we delve deeper into the image, consider how these symbols trigger a collective memory, a return of something repressed, echoing through the corridors of time and culture, and engaging us on a subconscious level. These elements are not static; they are dynamic and evolving, reflecting our ever-changing world.