Bas-reliëf met voorstelling van keizer Hadrianus te paard 1636 - 1647

Gabriel Ladame’s engraving captures Emperor Hadrian mounted, evoking power and authority. The horse, a longstanding symbol of strength and nobility, is here further amplified by the presence of the emperor. This motif echoes throughout history, from the equestrian statues of Roman emperors to Renaissance portrayals of triumphant leaders. Observe the dynamic tension in the figure walking alongside. There’s a sense of urgency, perhaps even struggle, as he attempts to keep pace with the mounted emperor. This motif reminds me of the constant tension between movement and stillness, action and contemplation, in other artworks across time and place. The psychological weight of such imagery is considerable. Equestrian statues were erected not merely as portraits but as embodiments of imperial power, designed to project an image of strength and command. Yet, consider the vulnerability implied by this figure striving to keep pace. It embodies the ever-present anxiety of maintaining control. Such symbols reveal how collective memory and subconscious processes shape both the creation and our emotional response. This symbol cycles through time, evolving yet always echoing its origins.