Gevecht van soldaten te paard 18th century

This anonymous print presents a fierce cavalry battle, rendered with striking clarity. The rearing horses and clashing figures, framed by cannons, evoke a sense of chaos. Consider the recurring motif of the horseman through time, from ancient Greek friezes to Renaissance tapestries. Each age imbues the image with new meaning. Here, the horse symbolizes not nobility, but the brutalities of war. Notice the flag around which the soldiers gather. Flags have always been a symbol of group identity and solidarity, but also division and conflict. When seen across history, flags have been used to create solidarity and promote violence. The anonymous print captures the visceral energy of conflict, reminding us of war's enduring presence in the human psyche.