Plate (fragment) Late 12th/early 13th century

This fragmented plate, of unknown origin, presents a captivating array of symbols, each a window into the past. Equestrian figures evoke the valor and authority associated with horsemanship throughout history. The horse, a potent symbol across cultures, signifies power and nobility. We observe it in ancient Greek friezes, medieval tapestries, and here on this plate, the horse carries a rider, quite literally bearing the weight of leadership. This image of the mounted warrior is deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. The fragments invite a psychoanalytic interpretation: the broken pieces may signify lost empires, fragmented memories, or the transient nature of power itself. The emotional weight of these symbols transcends time, engaging us on a subconscious level. These equestrian motifs, though fragmented, echo through time, reappearing in new contexts, constantly evolving, and reminding us of history's cyclical nature.