Coursier de Naple 1606 - 1689

This engraving by Charles Errard depicts a Neapolitan courser, a breed celebrated for its spirit. The rearing horse is a symbol of power and nobility, a motif deeply rooted in our collective psyche. Consider the equestrian statues of Roman emperors, or the steeds of Renaissance princes. This image evokes those powerful associations. The rearing horse is not merely an animal, but an embodiment of untamed energy and virility. Look at its sinuous musculature and its proud bearing, it reminds us of the classical sculptures of antiquity. Yet, this symbol has evolved. In earlier periods, the horse was strictly associated with royalty and warfare. Here, its aristocratic symbolism merges with something more primal, an echo of freedom. This primal symbol persists, a reminder of the enduring power of nature and the subconscious.