Plassende ruiter bij rustend paard met man en ruiter te paard 1602 - 1642

Pieter Bodding van Laer created this etching, "Resting Horse with Riders," in the 17th century. The horse, a symbol of vitality and strength, appears here in a state of rest, tethered beneath a tree. In classical antiquity, horses were sacred to Poseidon, embodying both the power of the sea and untamed nature. Consider how the horse contrasts with its depictions in ancient Greek sculpture, like the Parthenon frieze. There, horses are emblems of virility and martial prowess. Here, however, the resting horse invites reflection on the cyclical nature of energy—a pause before renewed activity. This image is evocative of the human condition, where moments of repose are essential for regeneration. It is a recurring theme throughout art history, reflecting our deepest subconscious desires for peace and renewal amidst life's journey. Just as ancient cultures projected their hopes and fears onto equine forms, this print reminds us that even symbols evolve, reflecting our changing relationship with the world around us.