Detail of Horse's Head, Enlarged to Triple Size, Norman Royal Guard, No. 5, First Limoges Horse c. 1818

Carle Vernet created this drawing, “Detail of Horse’s Head, Enlarged to Triple Size”, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, using delicate lines to capture the essence of the animal. The composition focuses entirely on the horse’s head, cropped to emphasize its detailed features and the intricate bridle. Vernet's formal approach directs us to consider the artwork's underlying structure. The use of enlargement is significant; it isolates and intensifies our focus, compelling us to examine details often overlooked. This technique can be understood through the lens of structuralism, highlighting how isolating a part changes its meaning within the whole. Additionally, the drawing destabilizes our understanding of scale and representation. By enlarging the horse’s head, Vernet challenges conventional artistic values, prompting a re-evaluation of form. It moves beyond mere representation, using scale as a tool to emphasize and question our perception.