A Farm Horse 

Editor: John Sell Cotman’s pencil sketch, "A Farm Horse," feels so simple, almost like a child's drawing, but it captures the essence of the animal. What symbolic weight do you think a farm horse might have carried in Cotman's time? Curator: The horse, particularly a farm horse, evokes a powerful connection to the land, to labor, and to a slower, more agrarian way of life. What does the horse’s static pose evoke for you? Editor: I guess a sense of groundedness, like it's rooted to the spot. It also feels like a calm presence. Curator: Exactly. The horse becomes a symbol of stability and enduring connection to the earth. Its presence acts as a memory of a vanishing rural existence. Editor: That's a fascinating way to view such a simple drawing. Curator: Indeed. These seemingly simple images often resonate with deep cultural and psychological meaning.