Het hobbelpaard 1833 - 1856

Editor: This mixed-media print, “Het hobbelpaard,” which translates to “The Rocking Horse,” created by Glenisson & Van Genechten sometime between 1833 and 1856, feels wonderfully whimsical, with its naive style and vibrant, almost pastel, color palette. How do you interpret the symbols within this piece? Curator: Immediately, I see the layers of cultural memory at play. The rocking horse itself is an enduring symbol of childhood innocence and the joy of play. But, observe how the artist has depicted the rider, dressed in what appears to be period costume. Doesn't this juxtaposition suggest more than just a simple child's toy? Perhaps, it's hinting at a nostalgic yearning for a romanticized past? Editor: That’s interesting. The clothing and the style of the horse give me the sense of theatre, a stage set where playacting is front and center. Is this about how we rehearse being adults when we are children? Curator: Precisely. It's possible this work subtly alludes to how we learn and internalize historical narratives and social roles through play. Notice the controlled colours and careful detail – even a simple toy horse contains complex signifiers and echoes. The way it has been drawn might even reflect popular theatrical forms, like pantomime, and their roots in traditions of street performance, passed down over time. Does the visual harmony and colour contribute to an overall impression for you? Editor: The symmetry of the horse and rider within the bordered frame lends the image a calm, orderly feel, a bit like a treasured scene safely framed in our memory. It makes the image feel like looking back and a longing to repeat these early moments, of learning, rehearsing and experiencing life. Curator: That’s insightful. Thank you, I’m left contemplating how art preserves not just memories, but also the evolving interpretations we place on those memories.