Paardenhoofd, iets naar rechts before 1841

This is Joannes Bemme’s drawing "Paardenhoofd, iets naar rechts" from the late 18th or early 19th century, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The composition centers on a horse's head, turned slightly to the right. Bemme masterfully uses line and shadow to create a sense of form and depth. The details in the horse’s mane and eyes are particularly striking, drawing the viewer into a moment of quiet contemplation. Consider how the horse—often a symbol of power, freedom, or even aristocratic wealth—is rendered here. The meticulous detail and the choice to isolate the head may suggest a study in physiognomy, popular at the time, linking outward appearance to inner character. The sketch format lends it an immediacy, as if capturing a fleeting observation. The drawing invites us to examine the relationship between representation and reality. Bemme’s delicate lines offer not just a likeness, but a nuanced interpretation that resonates beyond mere depiction.