Dragonders / Dragons 1800 - 1833

Philippus Jacobus Brepols created this print called ‘Dragonders / Dragons’ in the early 19th century. It depicts rows of soldiers on horseback. Each figure is adorned with a tall, feathered headdress, a symbol of military pomp and power. The horse and rider, a recurring motif throughout history, appears in ancient Roman equestrian statues and medieval tapestries, as well as modern military parades. In each case, the pairing conveys a potent image of mastery and control. The figure of the horse, long associated with virility and untamed nature, when combined with the rider, represents the imposition of human will upon primal instinct. This echoes our inner psychological landscape, where reason attempts to govern our impulses. Notice how the horse arches its neck, and how erect the riders sit. These are not only visual details but conduits for emotional expression, tapping into a deep, subconscious understanding of power and authority. Over time, the symbol of the mounted warrior has been perpetually reborn and re-contextualized, reflecting our continued fascination with control and dominance.