Militairen te paard 1827 - 1894

This print "Militairen te paard" was created by M. Hemeleers-van Houter. Here, rows of soldiers on horseback evoke a powerful historical and psychological resonance. The horse, a symbol of virility and power since antiquity, is paired with the soldier, creating a potent image of military might. These figures are reminiscent of ancient equestrian statues and battle friezes. Consider the Greek centaurs or Roman cavalry—symbols of barbaric strength and imperial dominion. The repetition of this motif across time suggests a deep-seated human fascination with authority and the controlled force of the warrior. Yet, observe how the rigidity of the formations and the uniformity of the figures can create a sense of unease. Is this not a visual manifestation of our collective anxieties about the power of the state and the loss of individual agency? These symbols echo across history, adapting and re-emerging, shaping our cultural memory in a perpetual, cyclical progression.