Cheval de Main et Palfreniers Romains 

François Chauveau created this print, Cheval de Main et Palfreniers Romains, during the Baroque era in France. The print depicts a horse and two grooms adorned in elaborate ornamentation, reflecting the period's emphasis on opulence and spectacle often linked to aristocratic power. Chauveau, working during the reign of Louis XIV, was part of a cultural milieu that used imagery to reinforce social hierarchies and royal authority. In this context, consider the horse, not just as an animal, but as a symbol of status and control. Note the two grooms; their postures suggest both service and a kind of restrained strength. Their richly detailed costumes and carefully managed poses reflect the highly structured social roles within the court. The flowing ribbons and decorative elements could symbolize the ephemeral nature of power and beauty. This print invites us to reflect on the emotional distance between displays of grandeur and the lived experiences of those who maintain them.