Skitser med bønder, heste og køer 1746 - 1828

C.A. Lorentzen created these sketches of farmers, horses, and cows with graphite. The horse, in particular, carries with it a rich tapestry of meanings. It appears here as a beast of burden and mode of transport, symbols deeply rooted in agrarian life. But consider the horse in other contexts—from the steeds of Greek gods to the warhorses of medieval knights. In each instance, the horse transcends its physical form to embody power, freedom, and even divine will. Note the figures riding on the backs of cows, gesturing to an element of control and ownership over nature. Such imagery evokes a sense of mastery, a theme resonant across cultures and epochs. Think of the Roman emperors on their chariots, or the indigenous communities’ bond with their animals, each a symbolic assertion of dominion. The symbolic importance of these animals is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This sketch is not merely a depiction of rural life. It is a convergence of archetypes, a visual echo of humanity’s enduring relationship with the animal kingdom, recurring across time and cultures.