Lying Down Horse 1972 - 1973

Curator: Here we have Dame Elisabeth Frink's "Lying Down Horse," now part of the Tate Collections. Editor: It’s incredibly graceful, almost languid. The loose strokes give it a sense of movement, despite the horse's resting pose. Curator: Frink, born in 1930, was deeply affected by the anxieties of the Cold War and the ever-present imagery of conflict. This is interesting given the simplicity of this work. Editor: Horses, throughout history, often stand as symbols of power, virility, and freedom. But here, the horse seems to embody vulnerability, maybe even weariness. Curator: Frink often challenged established sculptural norms, prioritizing emotional impact over precise anatomical representation. Her work often reflects concerns around social and political themes. Editor: The horse's gentle curve and averted gaze evoke a sense of introspection. It makes you wonder what burdens it carries, symbolically speaking. Curator: Indeed, a reflection perhaps on the cost of power. Editor: A poignant thought. I appreciate how Frink manages to convey so much with such understated elegance. Curator: It encourages a deeper consideration of the weight of historical and cultural symbols. Editor: Absolutely, it's a powerful piece that prompts us to reconsider familiar iconography.