Paardenhoofd c. 1915s - 1925s

Isaac Israels captured this horse head with swift strokes, freezing it on paper for eternity. The horse, a symbol laden with meaning across cultures, immediately brings to mind ideas of strength, freedom, and untamed beauty. We see echoes of this symbol in ancient Greek sculptures, where horses are often depicted pulling chariots of gods, embodying divine power and glory. Yet, in other contexts, such as the medieval era, the horse becomes a symbol of nobility and chivalry. Think of the knight on his steed, representing courage and honor. Consider how this magnificent creature, whether in mythology or on the battlefield, has been loaded with the cultural baggage of power, status, and virility. Ultimately, the image evokes a sense of primal connection. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relationship between humans and animals. This cyclical, non-linear progression of symbols reveals how collective memory shapes and reshapes our understanding of the world.