Gezicht op het Piazza San Carlo met ruiterstandbeeld van Emanuele Filiberto te Turijn, Italië 1864 - 1881

Giacomo Brogi captured this photograph of the Piazza San Carlo in Turin, Italy, sometime in the 19th century. Dominating the square is the equestrian statue of Emanuele Filiberto, a symbol of power, leadership, and the martial spirit. The rider on horseback is a motif that echoes through time, from ancient Roman emperors to Renaissance condottieri. In each iteration, the horse represents virility, control, and triumph. Consider the lance held aloft by Filiberto. This gesture can be traced back to classical antiquity, where victorious generals were depicted in similar poses, asserting their dominance. Yet, the meaning shifts. What was once a symbol of military might becomes, in this context, a statement of civic pride and historical continuity. It is a cultural echo, resonating with the collective memory of past glories. As you gaze upon this photograph, reflect on how symbols evolve, carrying with them the weight of history, and the imprint of our shared human experience.