Ruiter op een steigerend paard 1635 - 1654

Curator: Welcome. Before us is "Ruiter op een steigerend paard," or "Horseman on a Rearing Horse," a pencil drawing attributed to Paulus Potter, dating from 1635 to 1654. Editor: There's such a palpable tension, even in this spare sketch. The horse is magnificent, practically bursting out of the frame with contained energy, but it feels incomplete. Curator: Indeed, the unfinished quality emphasizes the dynamism. Note the skillful use of line, varying in weight and density to define form and suggest movement. Potter focuses on capturing the anatomical accuracy and spirited essence of the horse. Editor: Horses, of course, are ancient symbols. Consider the powerful, sometimes violent forces of nature and mankind. The animal becomes a symbol of man’s dominion over his own instinct. This drawing reminds me how often animals get co-opted into reflecting what we most fear, and yet desire, about ourselves. Curator: Certainly. The rearing posture amplifies that. But structurally, it's the play of diagonals against the softer curves that's most compelling. The horse's hind legs drive upwards, countered by the rider's leaning torso. A study in equilibrium. Editor: To me, the rearing horse echoes the common depiction of triumphant power. However, the pencil medium mutes any such grandiosity and connects back to Earth. Also, the rider with its simple attire and humble face doesn't resemble someone powerful or glorious; maybe a stable boy practicing how to behave like the elite. Curator: I understand your point. However, the artist's skill with anatomical correctness still shines. The drawing, viewed purely from an academic lens, stands alone due to its exquisite, economical command of line and volume, creating an almost palpable three-dimensionality. Editor: So, while one sees pure form, and the other symbolism... perhaps Potter, even in an unfinished study, speaks to both our intellect and our instinct. Curator: A worthy perspective to embrace before moving on. Thank you.