Man staand naast twee paarden c. 1660

Moses ter Borch rendered this drawing of a man standing by two horses in the mid-17th century. Here, the horse, a symbol of strength and vitality, takes center stage, closely associated with its human companion. In classical antiquity, we find the horse linked to solar deities and martial power. Consider the equestrian statues of Roman emperors, proclaiming dominance and divine favor. Yet, the horse is not merely a symbol of power. It also embodies instinct and unbridled passion. Think of the mythical centaurs, beings half-man, half-horse, representing the internal conflict between reason and primal urges. Here, the bond between man and horse might represent the ideal balance between intellect and instinct. This relationship perhaps touches on the deep, subconscious desire for harmony between our civilized selves and our more fundamental, untamed nature. These symbols transcend time, reappearing in various guises, constantly evolving yet forever rooted in our shared cultural memory.