Portret van Filips van Lalaing te paard after 1544

Cornelis Anthonisz. captured Philip of Lalaing on what appears to be a hand-colored woodcut. The most striking emblem is the horse itself, a potent symbol of nobility and power. Consider how equestrian portraits have echoed through time, from the Roman emperors on horseback to Renaissance princes. This motif transcends mere representation; it embodies authority and triumph. We see it again and again through the ages. The rider, in mastering the animal, demonstrates his capacity to rule—both himself and his domain. But note the psychological undercurrent: the horse, a creature of instinct and raw energy, is brought under human control. The collective memory of man's primal connection with animals here is transformed into a display of dominion. This image is a powerful assertion, engaging viewers on a subconscious level with themes of control and aspiration. The symbol progresses and adapts, yet the underlying emotional power remains resonant.