Beteugelen van Pegasus 1728

Bernard Picart created this intricate etching, "Beteugelen van Pegasus," sometime between 1673 and 1733. The image is a complex tableau, meticulously rendered with fine lines that define forms and textures. The composition centres on a framed scene, depicting figures attempting to bridle Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek myth. Picart contrasts the dynamic energy of the central scene with the static, decorative elements of the frame. The frame is adorned with motifs of classical origin such as sphinxes and elaborate flourishes. The scene is encased in a structure that mimics architectural ornamentation, suggesting a commentary on the nature of artistic control and the domestication of creative inspiration. The crisp lines and balanced arrangement reflect the Enlightenment's emphasis on order and reason. The very act of framing, underscores an attempt to contain and classify the untamed aspects of imagination and creativity.