Council of Horses c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Council of Horses" by Thomas Abel Prior, at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a gathering, a convention even! The dogs add a curious, domestic touch. What do you see in this council? Curator: The horse, throughout history, has been a potent symbol of power, freedom, and nobility. Here, gathered beneath the sheltering tree, are they reflecting upon something deeper? The dogs, symbols of loyalty, might represent the human gaze or influence. Editor: So, are you saying the artist might be questioning the very nature of power and loyalty? Curator: Perhaps. The image evokes a sense of questioning, where the horses are not simply animals, but beings with agency, considering their place within a symbolic landscape of control and freedom. Editor: I never thought of it that way. It makes you wonder about the hidden meanings we ascribe to the animals around us.