Horses c. 19th century

Curator: This is Robert Hills' "Horses." We don't have a precise date for it, but Hills was active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Editor: What strikes me immediately is the sheer number of horses huddled together, yet each rendered with such distinct detail in the cross-hatching. There's a sense of watchful stillness, a collective gaze. Curator: The grouping is interesting, isn't it? Horses, throughout history, are potent symbols of power, freedom, and even nobility. But here, they seem almost… vulnerable in their shared presence. Editor: Perhaps Hills is commenting on the changing role of horses in society at that time? Their transition from symbols of wealth and war to working animals. The sketch-like quality evokes a sense of transition. Curator: That's a compelling point. The print medium itself speaks to accessibility, suggesting a wider audience engaging with these symbols. It really changes the image’s context. Editor: It does invite a different kind of contemplation, doesn’t it? I find myself wondering about their individual stories, their place in the landscape. Curator: Yes, it's a rich study of collective identity and the individual spirit, both tempered by the shifting social landscape. Editor: A poignant moment captured.