Twee ruiters op elkaar schietend 1651 - 1652

Lucas Vorsterman the Younger made this etching of two horsemen shooting at each other in the 17th century. The image is dominated by the figures of the armed riders, symbols of power and conflict. The rearing horses recall the classical motif of equestrian dominance, a posture that can be traced back to ancient Roman art, where emperors were often depicted on horseback to assert their authority. Consider the image of Saint George slaying the dragon. This is one of many examples where the horse represents the triumph of good over evil. Here, however, the symbolism is complicated: both riders engage in violence, blurring the lines between hero and villain. The scene evokes intense emotions, fear and aggression, engaging viewers on a visceral level. Such imagery is not static; it evolves. What was once a clear symbol of authority becomes, in this etching, a representation of chaotic struggle. It is a reminder of how symbols are continuously reinterpreted, reflecting our ever-changing cultural landscape.