Moncey, Ex-colonel of the 3rd Hussar Regiment 1818

Eugène-Louis Lami created this print, "Moncey, Ex-colonel of the 3rd Hussar Regiment," using etching. At its heart, this artwork encapsulates the figure of the horseman, a symbol resonating through the ages. The equestrian figure extends back to antiquity, embodying power, nobility, and martial prowess. From the Roman equestrian statues to Renaissance depictions of kings on horseback, this motif consistently signifies leadership and control. Yet, here, we see the colonel, not in active battle, but as "ex," a title that adds a layer of complexity. His uniform is elaborate, and the horse prances, yet the scene evokes a sense of past glory. Consider the psychological weight of the image: the horse and rider as a unified entity, a display of mastery over nature, and a connection between man and animal that touches our primal instincts. This image invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of power, the ephemeral quality of glory, and the echoes of past grandeur in the present.