Plate 1813 - 1816

This slipware plate was crafted around 1816 by Henry Roudebush, and presents a horse and rider encircled by floral motifs. The horse, a symbol of vitality and nobility, gallops across cultures from the steeds of ancient Greek heroes to the warhorses of medieval knights. Here, the rider’s posture is upright, their presence is stoic, as the horse’s posture, energetic. Such representations go far beyond mere equestrian portraiture; they echo the classical equestrian statues of emperors, evoking power and authority. These symbols of control resonate deeply in the human psyche. Consider the floral border: flowers are often linked with themes of mortality and rebirth, yet also evoke a sense of beauty. This reflects a complex interplay between life and death, seen time and again in art across millennia. The imagery suggests a cyclical return to familiar themes, where symbols are reborn and reshaped.