Dimensions: support: 158 x 194 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: James Seymour's "Two Horsemen," a small sketch held at the Tate, captures a moment of equestrian poise. There's something immediate about its candid nature. Editor: The delicacy of the line evokes a fleeting, almost dreamlike quality. The pale tonality suggests a muted narrative, perhaps of early sporting culture. Curator: Indeed. Seymour was known for his sporting art, and the image of horses and their riders often served as symbols of aristocracy, power, and leisure. Editor: I’m drawn to the inscription at the bottom: "Fear not going it slack wth Mouse". It suggests a hidden dimension, a personal commentary perhaps, even resistance within the spectacle of wealth. Curator: Possibly a reference to a particular race or rivalry? These sketches offer glimpses into the social dynamics of the time, particularly concerning class and competition. Editor: It leaves me wondering about the stories of those involved and the culture surrounding equestrian sports during that era. Curator: A culture where the horse transcended its role as a means of transport to become a potent emblem of social and economic status. Editor: It's a testament to the power of art to provoke curiosity and dialogue across time. Curator: Agreed. The drawing offers us a fascinating, if partial, window into a complex social world.