Detail of Horse's Head, Enlarged to Triple Size, Norman Royal Guard, No. 3 c. 1818

Carle Vernet made this print of a horse’s head, enlarged to triple size, as part of his series on the Norman Royal Guard. Horses in this period represented not just transport but also power, military might, and aristocratic privilege. Look closely, and you’ll see the care Vernet took in depicting the horse's musculature and the detail in its eye, giving it a lifelike quality. Vernet was working at a time when the French monarchy was in flux, and images of the Royal Guard, and their horses, would have carried significant political weight. This image may appear to be a celebration of the monarchy. But it could equally have been read as a subtle critique, depending on the viewer's perspective and political leanings. Understanding the social and political context of the time is crucial to interpreting this image. By looking at the history of the French monarchy and the role of the Royal Guard, we can begin to unpack the complex meanings embedded in this seemingly simple image of a horse's head.