Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van het paard La Gondola c. 1887 - 1910

This photographic reproduction of a painting of the horse La Gondola was made in 1887 by an anonymous artist. This image captures not just an animal, but a symbol deeply embedded in social hierarchies. In the late 19th century, equine portraiture was more than just art; it was a statement of wealth and status. La Gondola, likely a prized racehorse, embodies the aspirations and values of the upper class. The photograph allows a wider audience to access what was once exclusively the domain of the wealthy, democratizing the image while simultaneously reinforcing the social order. Consider the emotional investment in these animals—they were symbols of power and speed but also subjects of care and affection. How does this image reflect the complex relationship between humans and animals, and the ways in which they are entangled with social status? This image becomes a lens through which we can examine the values and power structures of the time, all while pondering our bonds with the animal kingdom.