Twee studies van een paard 1855 - 1912

Jan Kuyper made these two studies of a horse in the late 19th century, using graphite on paper. During this period, the Netherlands was experiencing a revival of national pride, with renewed interest in its history and traditions. Horses, often symbols of power, virility, and labor, became prominent subjects in art. Here, the image of a horse and rider is rooted in classical equestrian portraiture, an association that speaks to notions of class and status. However, Kuyper's sketch-like quality infuses a sense of immediacy. The lines of the graphite almost dance across the page, animating the horse with a sense of energy. The loose, unfinished quality invites you to imagine the horse in motion, perhaps on the verge of a great journey. In this work, Kuyper offers us not just a study of form, but a glimpse into the cultural values and the quiet dynamism of his time.