Bewegingsstudies van een paard 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of horses in motion, using graphite on paper. The horse, a motif deeply embedded in the collective psyche, has been a recurring figure throughout art history, representing power, freedom, and the untamed forces of nature. One can trace its symbolic lineage back to ancient cave paintings, where the horse appears as a vital component of human life and mythology. Consider the classical equestrian statues of Roman emperors, or the dynamic steeds in Renaissance battle scenes. Here, Breitner captures the animal's energy, its muscular tension, and its dynamic movement. This echoes how, in the subconscious, the horse represents a primal energy, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The horse as a symbol has thus resurfaced, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.