Cob Study 1983

Editor: This is Barry Flanagan's "Cob Study," a line drawing of horses in the Tate Collection. It feels very ancient to me. What symbols or ideas do you see represented here? Curator: The horse is a powerful, cross-cultural symbol, often linked to virility, freedom, and the untamed. This drawing evokes Paleolithic cave paintings, suggesting a primal connection. Do you see how Flanagan uses line to suggest both the form and the spirit of the animal? Editor: Yes, it's like he's capturing their essence with just a few strokes. It feels both immediate and timeless. Curator: Precisely. It reminds us that certain images resonate across millennia. What feelings arise when you consider that continuity? Editor: It’s humbling, realizing we're part of this long visual conversation.