Laurent Franconi rijdt op zijn merrie Norma 1841 - 1847

Victor Adam created this lithograph of Laurent Franconi riding his mare, Norma, capturing a moment of equestrian mastery. The horse, elevated on its forelegs, becomes a symbol of power, nobility, and control. This image harkens back to classical equestrian statues, recalling the ancient Roman emperors depicted on horseback. Consider the equestrian motif throughout history, from the bronze horses of antiquity to Renaissance paintings. The horse has long been a symbol of status and leadership, evolving from military might to aristocratic skill. Notice the tension in the horse’s arched neck and the rider’s composed posture; a psychoanalytic interpretation might suggest a sublimation of primal energies into refined art. This tension engages us, stirring deep, subconscious associations with power and grace. Indeed, the symbolism of the horse riding does not follow a linear path, but a cyclical one, reappearing throughout the ages in various forms, each time imbued with new cultural and emotional weight.