Horsemen (6) c. 19th century

Curator: The etching "Horsemen (6)" is by Wilhelm von Kobell, a German artist born in 1766. The print is held in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a sort of quiet, almost melancholic feel to it. The rider seems self-contained, perhaps a little aloof. Curator: That reflects a rising class in society, particularly after the Napoleonic wars, where equestrian portraits became symbols of status and authority. They also hint at the influence of the military. Editor: Yes, the man's attire certainly suggests a connection to military aesthetics. More broadly, the horse itself is a potent symbol. The horse embodies nobility and controlled power. Curator: And the background, though minimal, suggests land ownership and social standing. These prints would have circulated amongst a specific class of people. Editor: I see it now—a subtle statement about belonging, rendered with exquisite detail. Curator: Indeed, Kobell captured a moment in history and a change in social dynamics.