Merrie met veulen in galop 1811 - 1866

Victor Adam created this monochrome lithograph, ‘Mare and Foal at a Gallop,’ now held at the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the dynamic energy is evident. The composition is structured around the implied lines of motion, with the mare and foal captured mid-stride. Adam masterfully uses light and shadow to define form and texture. Notice how the subtle gradations of tone create a sense of volume in the bodies of the horses, while the intricate details of the landscape provide depth and context. The image’s formal arrangement directs our gaze to the animals, capturing a fleeting moment of freedom and vitality. This contrasts with the presence of a broken fence and a fallen log, perhaps alluding to themes of impermanence. The semiotic interplay between the dynamic figures and static objects invites us to interpret the work as a broader reflection on nature. This print prompts us to consider how art captures not just a visual likeness but also cultural and philosophical meanings.