Le cheval blanc 1853 - 1858

Félix Bracquemond created “Le cheval blanc,” or "The White Horse," using etching and drypoint. Bracquemond was a central figure in the revival of printmaking in France, and a close friend of many impressionist painters. In this print, we see a rider on horseback pausing by a stream. It evokes a sense of calm and contemplation, typical of the Barbizon school, whose focus was representing nature. Although women artists were gaining recognition, the art world remained male-dominated, and representations of women often adhered to restrictive social norms. The figure is small, but is it a woman on horseback, a subtle assertion of female agency in a changing social landscape? Bracquemond may be inviting us to reflect on gender, nature, and identity. In the end, this print gently prompts us to consider our place in the world, both as individuals and as members of a larger community.