Ruiter te paard c. 1731 - 1735

Pieter van Somerwil created this sculpture of a horseman in silver, sometime in the first half of the 18th century. The sculpture's compact composition immediately draws the eye. Van Somerwil captures the essence of a rider on horseback in a miniature format, where every curve and line contributes to the overall impression of movement. The artist has meticulously crafted the figures, paying close attention to the contours of the horse and the rider's posture. This attention to form is not merely decorative; it serves to convey the power and grace associated with equestrian figures. The use of silver enhances the sculpture's reflective qualities, catching and playing with light to add depth. This formal quality also invites consideration of broader philosophical themes, reflecting how art can represent power, status, and cultural ideals within a small, self-contained form. As viewers, we continue to reinterpret these forms and themes, bringing new meanings to this delicate sculpture.