Oud paard c. 1830

Eugène Verboeckhoven created this etching, "Oud paard," or "Old Horse," in the 19th century, a time when equine portraiture was especially popular among the European elite. Verboeckhoven was known for his unsentimental depictions of animals, often portraying them in a state of relative freedom from human intervention. He gives the impression that the horse lives a life without human interaction and perhaps roams free in the rural landscape. This work evokes a sense of melancholy, perhaps even loss. The horse's age and solitary state are emphasized by the stark contrast between light and shadow. It evokes an emotional response in the viewer. This etching serves as a commentary on the relationship between animals, labor, and the natural world during a period of significant social and economic change. It stands as a reminder of the emotional lives of animals, and prompts us to reflect on our relationships with them.