Horsemen 1650 - 1665

Jan Frans Soolmaker's "Horsemen," invites us to consider the potent symbolism embedded within the image of the horse, rendered with oil on canvas. The rearing horse, a dynamic force, has long been associated with power, virility, and nobility. We observe the horse captured mid-rearing, a stance resonating with images of triumphant Roman emperors astride their steeds, projecting their dominion. This classical echo reverberates through history, resurfacing in equestrian portraits of monarchs and military leaders across various eras. Yet, the rearing horse is not merely a symbol of power; it also embodies untamed energy, a primal force. It is the unleashing of instinct, a gesture of defiance against constraint. As we move forward, may we remember the continuous cycle of these symbols. These motifs resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts, connecting us to the cultural narratives of the past.