Gezicht op de Grote Markt in Brussel met het Huis van de Hertogen van Brabant by Jules Hippolyte Quéval

Gezicht op de Grote Markt in Brussel met het Huis van de Hertogen van Brabant

1866 - 1870

Jules Hippolyte Quéval's Profile Picture

Jules Hippolyte Quéval

1824

Location

Rijksmuseum
0:00
0:00

Artwork details

Dimensions
height 85 mm, width 175 mm
Location
Rijksmuseum
Copyright
Rijks Museum: Open Domain

About this artwork

This photograph by Jules Hippolyte Quéval captures the Grote Markt in Brussels, dominated by the House of the Dukes of Brabant, its facade adorned with intricate sculptures. Notice the horse at the top of the building, a symbol of power and nobility, echoing equestrian statues throughout history, from ancient Roman emperors to Renaissance monarchs. This motif is not merely decorative; it taps into a collective memory, a primal association of the horse with dominion and strength. Consider how this symbol has persisted, evolving yet retaining its core essence. In ancient Greece, the horse was linked to Poseidon, god of the seas, while in medieval Europe, it became the mount of knights, symbols of chivalry. The image of the horse elicits a sense of awe, reminding us of humanity's enduring fascination with power.

Comments

Share your thoughts