Cheval 

This sketch of a horse, or "Cheval" as Degas titled it, is a study of movement and potential. The horse, a recurring symbol throughout history, embodies power, freedom, and virility. In ancient Greece, we see the horse linked to Poseidon, god of the seas, embodying untamed force. The Celts revered horses as guides to the afterlife. The upward tilt of its head may remind us of equestrian statues of emperors and kings, signaling triumph and authority. Degas transforms this symbol of dominance into a moment of raw energy. Notice the tension in the horse's neck and the positioning of its limbs. This is the potential for action—a latent power ready to burst forth. The horse evolves, not just as a symbol of power, but as a profound expression of pent-up energy. The motif remains, a testament to its enduring appeal and our deep, subconscious connection to nature's vitality.