Et hestehoved 1892

This is "Et hestehoved", a beautiful etching made by Hans Christian Gether Caspersen. The horse, a symbol deeply rooted in human history, appears as a focal point, its gentle gaze conveying a sense of contained power. The horse has carried varied symbolism across cultures and time. From ancient Greece, where horses were associated with Poseidon, to medieval Europe, where they symbolized nobility and chivalry. We can see it re-emerging, for instance, in the Renaissance art. Consider, for instance, the equestrian statues of Roman emperors. What do they tell us about the link between the image of the horse and power? Here, the horse peers over a partition, a domestic setting that contrasts with its wild nature. In this more humble position, the horse’s gaze engages the viewer. It evokes a deep, subconscious understanding of the animal’s cultural significance. This constant recurrence and evolution of symbols reveal the complex, non-linear progression of cultural memory.