Horse and Rider II 1970 - 1971

Curator: Dame Elisabeth Frink's "Horse and Rider II" is a striking lithograph. The dimensions of the image are 586 x 778 mm and it is part of the Tate Collections. Editor: It’s quite haunting, actually. The red figure against the paler horse gives it a raw, almost primal feel. Curator: Frink often explored themes of masculinity and power, particularly within the context of postwar Britain. Her process involved layering materials to give texture to the figures. Editor: Considering the period, it feels like a commentary on the socio-political landscape. The rider seems vulnerable, almost exposed, despite his position of authority. Curator: Exactly. And the lithographic process, inherently reproducible, democratizes this image, placing it outside the traditional art establishment. Editor: It makes you consider how symbols of power are constructed, challenged, and circulated within society. The image itself is quite powerful. Curator: Yes, she often subverted the expected associations of these images. Editor: So it's not simply about the subject, but the way Frink compels us to think about power and its representation. Curator: Indeed, a compelling piece for such considerations.