Ruiter en meisje op bankje c. 1966

Aat Verhoog created this artwork, "Ruiter en meisje op bankje," with an etching technique. The recurring motif of the rider on horseback, so prominent here, is a potent symbol across cultures. Think of the Roman equestrian statues or Renaissance paintings of triumphant leaders. The horse, traditionally a symbol of power and virility, elevates its rider, connecting him to notions of control and dominance. Yet, here, there's a certain stillness, a quietness that subverts the typical heroic narrative. We see the rider juxtaposed with the figures on the bench, creating a tension between action and repose. The horse has undergone a metamorphosis through time, shifting from a signifier of martial prowess to, as we see here, a quieter, more contemplative image. Such cyclical reappearances demonstrate how symbols evolve, shaped by our collective memory, resurfacing in art to engage with our subconscious. The artist seems to be tapping into a shared, primordial understanding of archetypes.