Ruiter wordt van zijn paard geslingerd c. 1825 - 1827

Bernard Édouard Swebach created this print, “Ruiter wordt van zijn paard geslingerd,” likely during the first half of the 19th century. Swebach, born at the cusp of the 19th century, found himself amid a period of significant social change following the French Revolution. Here, we witness a dramatic tumble as a rider is thrown from his horse during a hunt. The scene, charged with dynamic energy, suggests a world where the thrill of the chase and the display of equestrian skill were paramount, reflecting the leisure pursuits of the upper classes. Yet, the vulnerability of the rider, caught mid-fall, disrupts this image of aristocratic dominance. The print invites us to consider how the spectacle of the hunt, often associated with masculine prowess and social status, could also be a stage for unexpected mishaps, momentarily leveling the playing field. The image serves as a reminder that beneath the veneer of control and privilege, there often lies the potential for chaos. This scene captures not just a moment of physical disruption, but a glimpse into the precariousness of social and personal identity.