De veldslag van Wagram, in Maravië / Bataille de Wagram, en Marovie 1800 - 1833

This print of the Battle of Wagram, made by Philippus Jacobus Brepols, depicts the clash through a series of vignettes. Here, the image of the horse, laden with symbolic weight, appears repeatedly. Horses, since antiquity, have been emblems of power, virility, and war. In ancient Greece, they were linked to Poseidon, god of the seas and earthquakes, embodying untamed force. Over time, the horse became a symbol of nobility, appearing on countless battlefields and royal portraits. Consider the equestrian statues of Roman emperors—a clear claim to dominion. Yet, the horse is not merely a beast of burden; it is a mirror reflecting human aspirations and fears. Its portrayal varies wildly across cultures, ranging from the spirited steeds of Renaissance art to the haunted, skeletal horses of apocalyptic visions. The energy of the horse engages viewers on a visceral level, stirring our primal emotions, fears, and aspirations. Observe how this motif, deeply rooted in our collective psyche, resurfaces and evolves, taking on new meanings across time.