Staand paard 1794 - 1862

This small drawing was made by Pierre Jean Baptiste Leroy in the 19th century. The drawing is a study of a horse, a common motif throughout art history symbolizing power, freedom, and nobility. The horse, enclosed within a circle, appears as a classical cameo, hearkening back to ancient Greek and Roman art. The animal is depicted in a moment of quiet repose, head bowed, perhaps suggesting humility or weariness. This contrasts with the more typical representation of horses in dynamic, heroic poses. Consider how the horse has been depicted across cultures – from the majestic steeds of ancient friezes to the warhorses of medieval tapestries. This humble depiction resonates with a more introspective, humanized portrayal of the animal, an evolution in its symbolic weight. The horse, a powerful symbol, thus resurfaces and adapts through time, engaging our collective memory on a deeply personal level.