Twee paardenhoofden 1620 - 1664

In this etching by Stefano della Bella, we see two horses, their heads adorned with bridles, emerging from the blankness of the paper. The horse has been a recurring motif throughout art history, embodying various meanings. Since antiquity, it has been used as a symbol of power, virility, and untamed energy, often associated with gods like Poseidon or Mars. Della Bella captures this potency, but tames it—the bridles suggest control and domestication. One might recall similar equestrian depictions across epochs, such as the horses in battle scenes from ancient Roman friezes, or the steeds ridden by Renaissance princes. Yet, here, there is an interesting shift: the focus narrows to the animal's head, almost as if isolating a primal force. Consider how the horse, once a symbol of wild abandon, becomes harnessed, reflecting a transition from instinct to intellect. It echoes humanity’s ongoing negotiation with nature, as we seek to harness its energy, while still acknowledging its raw, untamed power. These heads linger in our minds, a testament to the horse’s enduring legacy.