Hoofd van een paard 1900 - 1930

This photograph, "Hoofd van een paard," or "Head of a Horse" by Richard Tepe, captures the essence of equine dignity with a stark, almost human sensitivity. Tepe, working at a time of significant social change, presents us with more than just a horse. In this period, animals in art often symbolized power, freedom, or even servitude, reflecting humanity's complex relationship with the natural world. The horse, set against the backdrop of wooden planks, evokes a sense of rustic simplicity. But look closer; the horse's eyes seem to hold a depth of emotion, a quiet knowing. Consider the implications of the horse as a beast of burden, a partner in agriculture, a symbol of aristocracy. How does Tepe play with or subvert these traditional representations? Is it possible that through his lens, the animal becomes a mirror, reflecting our own societal structures and the weight of our expectations? Perhaps Tepe asks us to consider the dignity inherent in all beings, regardless of their role.