A Rearing Horse before a Landscape c. 1618 - 1622

Hercules Segers created this etching, “A Rearing Horse before a Landscape,” sometime in the early 17th century. Segers lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of immense economic growth and artistic innovation in the Netherlands. This small print presents us with a rearing horse, its powerful form dominating a muted landscape. In the 17th century, the horse was a symbol of status and wealth, often associated with the aristocracy and military power. Yet, here, Segers’ horse seems isolated and perhaps even vulnerable, challenging traditional representations of power. Segers was known for his experimental approach to printmaking, often using unconventional techniques to achieve unique textures and effects. Look closely at the rough, almost dreamlike quality of the landscape. Consider the cultural associations with horses at this time, and let this print provoke thoughts about freedom, constraint, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.