Paarden op een veld aan de voet van een heuvel 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls rendered this sketch of horses in a field at the foot of a hill with pencil on paper. Note the recurring motif of the horse, an emblem deeply rooted in human consciousness. Across cultures, the horse symbolizes vitality, freedom, and untamed power. From the steeds of ancient Greek gods to the warhorses of medieval knights, this image echoes through the corridors of time. Consider the Lascaux cave paintings: primitive renderings of horses pulsating with life, mirroring humanity's primal connection to this animal. Yet, as civilizations evolved, the horse became intertwined with notions of prestige and control, as seen in Renaissance equestrian portraits where rulers sought to assert their dominance. Observe how Israëls strips away the grandeur, presenting the horses in their raw, unbridled state. This evokes a sense of empathy, a recognition of shared vulnerability. It's a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols, how they are continuously reshaped by the collective psyche.