Six-horse carriage 

This drawing of a six-horse carriage was made by Jacques Callot sometime before 1635. The horses are the dominant motif here, evoking power, status, and classical triumph. Think back to ancient Roman triumphal arches, adorned with quadrigae, four-horse chariots bearing emperors. Here, Callot doubles the number of horses, amplifying the display of might and opulence. This motif of the horse-drawn carriage has a rich history. Consider the Sun Chariot of Apollo, traversing the heavens. Or the elaborate carriages in Renaissance festivals, symbols of state and wealth. These reappearances highlight a deep-seated human fascination with harnessing animal power for our own purposes. The visual language of power is not linear, but cyclical, resurfacing through history and adopting new forms. This psychological and emotional allure has resonated across centuries, capturing the imagination.