Twee ruiters in gesprek bij een boom, achter hen meer ruiters 1676 - 1742

Georg Philipp Rugendas created this etching, now held at the Rijksmuseum, depicting riders in conversation beneath a tree. The horse, a prominent motif, has long symbolized power, nobility, and martial prowess. Equestrian portraits throughout history, from Roman emperors to Renaissance rulers, have used the horse to project authority and control. The rearing horse, as seen here, amplifies this symbolism. Think of the classical image of Alexander the Great on Bucephalus, or depictions of victorious generals leading their troops. This pose conveys dominance, energy, and the readiness for action. Yet, the image is ambivalent. In contrast, consider the image of a "war horse" in Picasso's Guernica, where the animal represents suffering and chaos. The way we depict such figures speaks to the emotional and psychological dimensions of power—a force that continues to engage and resonate with viewers across centuries.