Reiter, ein zweites Pferd mit sich führend 

This drawing of a rider leading a second horse was made by Giuseppe Porta in the 16th century. The horse, a symbol of power and nobility since antiquity, is here doubled, suggesting amplified strength and perhaps a journey of great importance. Consider how the rider's control over two horses echoes images of Roman emperors in triumphal processions, their power symbolized by the animals they command. But the second horse, unridden, also evokes a sense of potential, of resources yet untapped. We see this motif echoed through time: in Renaissance tapestries celebrating military victories, in equestrian statues memorializing leaders. Each instance reflects a collective memory of the horse as a symbol of might, yet the addition of a second, unburdened animal opens a realm of introspective contemplation. This juxtaposition creates a tension, engaging our subconscious with questions of realized versus potential power. Ultimately, the drawing reminds us that symbols are never static; they evolve, acquire new layers of meaning, and continue to resonate with viewers across centuries.