Horse caparisoned c. 1860

Isidore Pils painted this oil on canvas of a “Horse caparisoned” in the 19th century. The focus here is on the elaborate coverings, draping the animal in rich fabrics, which tell us much about the social status of both horse and owner. Note the heavy saddle, probably made of wood and leather, then padded and covered. It speaks to traditions of horsemanship and cavalry that stretched back centuries, with highly specialized trades devoted to every aspect of equine culture. Consider too, the labor involved in creating these textiles, from the cultivation of flax or wool, to spinning, dyeing, and weaving. The gold trim suggests the use of metallic threads, a luxury product. So, even in a painting like this, ostensibly about the animal, we can see evidence of the immense industry that once surrounded it. Understanding the materials, the making, and the context is key to grasp the full picture of this work, as it challenges traditional art and craft boundaries.