Paarden en een figuur op een paardenkar 1833 - 1841

This drawing by Johannes Tavenraat shows a series of horses and a hare in dynamic motion. The horse, a symbol deeply entrenched in human history, signifies power, freedom, and virility. The hare, darting across the landscape, embodies speed and fertility, often linked to lunar cycles and the cyclical nature of life. Think of Dürer’s "Young Hare" or Titian’s "Venus and the Hare"; this creature transcends mere representation, becoming a vessel for primal, life-affirming energies. Now, consider the horse-drawn chariot—an emblem of progress, aspiration, and control. It is a potent symbol of humanity's drive to harness and direct natural forces. This motif of harnessed energy appears across cultures. Consider its evolution from ancient Roman chariots to Renaissance triumphal processions; each era imbues it with new layers of meaning. The image's emotional power lies in the evocation of movement and aspiration, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.