Standing Horse Viewed at a Three Quarter Angle c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Antonio Tempesta’s “Standing Horse Viewed at a Three Quarter Angle,” from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a lovely, small print. What strikes me is the detail of the etching and how it conveys such a powerful animal. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Tempesta's image reflects the societal role of horses in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Consider the audience: likely wealthy landowners and military leaders. How does the horse's posture convey status and power to them, shaping their understanding of authority? Editor: So, the horse isn’t just a horse; it’s a symbol of something larger. Curator: Precisely! Images like this played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of power and class within early modern European society. Editor: I hadn't thought about the social context influencing how people viewed even animal portraits. Thanks!