Staand paard van voren gezien 1590

Antonio Tempesta crafted this engraving, "Standing Horse, Seen from the Front," in the late 16th or early 17th century. The horse, a symbol of power and virility, is rendered with striking realism, yet it evokes deeper, almost primordial associations. Consider the horse as a recurring motif throughout history, from the steeds of classical gods to the warhorses of medieval knights. This magnificent animal embodies an untamed, vital energy. Think of the horses in Paolo Uccello's "Battle of San Romano," their dynamic poses echoing the fervor of combat, or the horses in ancient Greek sculptures, symbols of status and control. Here, the horse is caught in a moment of stillness. Its gaze, directed upward, may reflect a collective memory of freedom or perhaps a subconscious longing for a time when humans and animals were more deeply intertwined. This image transcends mere representation, engaging us on an emotional level and inviting us to consider the enduring, cyclical presence of potent symbols in the human psyche.