Eerste span van vier paarden 1537

Hans Schäufelein created this artwork, "Eerste span van vier paarden," sometime between the late 15th and mid-16th centuries, using woodcut as his medium. In a time of shifting social structures, Schäufelein, a student of Dürer, captures a world steeped in tradition, hierarchy, and emerging shifts in power. Notice the central figures on horseback, adorned with symbols of status, projecting authority as they are closely followed by footmen. These are images of strength and dominance. The artwork reflects the complex dynamics of its time, where displays of power and status were intertwined with religious and humanist ideals. Schäufelein seems to subtly question the value of tradition by highlighting the performative aspects of power. The emotional intensity is palpable, revealing not only the pride of the elite but also the weight of their responsibilities. The image invites us to consider how societies negotiate class, identity, and authority, leaving us to ponder the legacies of power and their impact on individual lives.