En hingst traver 1823

This is an etching by Christian David Gebauer, made sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The image is dominated by a group of horses in a rural setting, framed by decorative motifs. The horse has long been a symbol of power, freedom, and nobility. From the steeds of ancient Greek gods to the warhorses of medieval knights, it embodies vigor and untamed nature. Even in its domestication, the horse carries echoes of wildness. Here, Gebauer presents the animal in motion, suggesting the vitality that the horse has represented in art across eras. Consider the griffin-like creatures at the bottom of the frame. These mythical beasts, with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, guard treasures, symbols of strength, courage, and vigilance. Their presence reflects a deeper, perhaps subconscious, yearning for protection and power. These motifs speak to a deep-seated human desire to connect with potent symbols and harness their power. The enduring appeal of the horse, combined with the protective aura of the griffins, reveals how symbols persist, evolve, and resurface in different forms throughout history, carrying layers of meaning that resonate with us still.