Epitase III 1972 - 1973

Editor: Here we have Comte Régis Guy de Bouvier de Cachard’s lithograph, Epitase III, housed in the Tate Collections. The horse seems to be in distress, and there's an ambiguous figure floating above. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The horse is a powerful symbol, traditionally representing untamed energy and virility, but here, it appears agitated, perhaps even trapped. Notice the muted palette—pink and grey—evoking a sense of unease and dreamlike quality. Consider the floating figure above. Is it a spirit, an oppressor, or the horse's own aspiration? Editor: I hadn't considered the color palette adding to the sense of unease. Curator: These visual elements carry a psychological weight, reflecting perhaps a struggle between instinct and control, freedom and constraint, deeply embedded in our cultural memory. What does the horse represent to you? Editor: I see a creature reaching for something beyond its grasp, which resonates deeply. Curator: Indeed, the artwork’s power lies in its ability to trigger introspection, prompting us to confront our own internal struggles through universal symbols.