Paard krijgt hoefijzers in een smederij 1839 - 1915

This etching by Cornelis Albertus Johannes Schermer depicts a horse being fitted with horseshoes inside a forge. At its heart, the image presents the symbol of the horseshoe, which is a powerful emblem of protection and good luck. The act of shoeing, historically a blend of craft and ritual, transforms the horse into a vehicle not just of labor, but also of destiny, shielded by iron against the unpredictable path ahead. Consider the horseshoe's journey through time – from its earliest associations with strength and endurance to its adoption as a talisman against misfortune. In ancient cultures, iron itself was believed to ward off evil spirits, a belief that infused the horseshoe with protective powers. The image subtly conveys a dependence on the horse that connects it to the human realm. This symbol transcends its utilitarian purpose, evolving into a potent emblem, a loop of iron that promises safety and fortune.