Rideskolescene. Illustration til A. de Pluvinel, "Maneige Royal", Paris 1623 1623

Simon de Pas created "Rideskolescene" as an illustration for A. de Pluvinel’s "Maneige Royal" in Paris, 1623. It offers a glimpse into the early 17th century French court, a world of elaborate rituals of power and control. This print reveals how horsemanship was about more than just riding; it was a performance of dominance, deeply entwined with social status. Equestrian skill was part of a nobleman’s identity, and the horse became an extension of his persona. The act of training the horse, with its rigid control, mirrors the era’s hierarchical social structure. The gaze of the courtiers reinforces the rider’s performance, making his mastery of the horse a public display of his authority. This piece is not merely about the spectacle of the court, it's about the emotional and performative demands placed on individuals within systems of power.