Lovers on Horseback c. 20th century

Curator: This is Hans Meid's "Lovers on Horseback," currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. The swirling lines almost obscure the figures. What's your immediate take? Editor: I see a romanticized power dynamic. Horses often symbolize virility and control; the lovers astride them perhaps reinforces societal roles. Curator: Exactly. This piece, viewed through a feminist lens, reveals the historical constraints placed upon women. Is she a participant in this ride, or merely a passenger? Editor: I find the symbolism complex. Horses also represent freedom and travel. Perhaps they’re seeking liberation together, outside societal norms? Curator: That's a compelling reading. The ambiguity leaves room for diverse interpretations, doesn't it? It makes the piece resonate across different eras. Editor: Indeed. It mirrors how our own understanding of love and power continues to evolve through time.