Studier efter antikke skulpturer. Øverst et hestehoved, nederst et relief med to heste 1846

Johan Thomas Lundbye created this drawing, "Studies after antique sculptures," using pencil. Here, the horse is not merely an animal; it's a symbol laden with cultural significance. This magnificent creature gallops through the annals of time, appearing in various forms from the classical friezes, where it signified power and nobility, to its representation in modern art. The rearing horse, a motif we see recurring through ages, can be traced back to ancient battle scenes, conveying triumph and dominance. But consider, too, the psychological element: The horse embodies untamed passion, virility, and the primal energies within us. Think of the equestrian statues of emperors, where the horse elevates the ruler, literally and metaphorically. This symbol progresses through history, evolving, yet invariably echoing the past. Each representation of the horse carries with it a collective memory, an echo of its previous incarnations. Lundbye's drawing brings this cyclical progression to the fore, inviting us to reflect on the enduring power of symbols and their ability to resonate across time.