Staand paard bij kip met kuikens 1803

This is an etching by Jean Bernard depicting a serene pastoral scene with a standing horse, created sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Note the symbolism of the horse, a longstanding motif of power and nobility, yet here it is juxtaposed with a humble hen and her chicks, symbols of domesticity and nurture. The image recalls classical equestrian statues, but it’s recontextualized to evoke a sense of rural tranquility, a longing for an idealized past. The recurring motif of the horse appears throughout art history, shifting in meaning. Consider the horses in the Parthenon frieze, emblems of Athenian might, or the more recent, psychologically charged horses of Delacroix. In Bernard's etching, the horse seems to echo the romantic era, tapping into our collective memory of simpler times and a subconscious desire for harmony with nature. The image engages us on an emotional level, as the horse's gentle presence creates a feeling of peace and contentment. Thus, these images continue to evolve, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols, their power to resurface, and to be reinterpreted across generations.