Mounted Artilleryman with Three Horses Bridled at Once 1817

Here is a drawing by Carle Vernet showing an artilleryman with three horses. The horse, throughout history, has been a potent symbol of virility, power, and unbridled energy. In ancient Greece, we see the horse as an attribute of Poseidon, god of the seas, embodying the untamed forces of nature. Here, Vernet’s choice to depict not one, but several horses evokes a kind of primal, untamed force. Notice how this contrasts with the controlled posture of the artilleryman, representing human reason trying to harness instinct. We can trace this struggle through art, from the Lascaux cave paintings, where horses run free, to Renaissance equestrian statues, where they are symbols of dominion. This tension between control and freedom touches upon something deep within us, resonating on a subconscious level, reminding us of the delicate balance between order and chaos. As you reflect on this image, consider how the horse, this enduring symbol, continues to gallop through our collective memory, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of human experience.