Standing Horse Facing Left c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have Antonio Tempesta's "Standing Horse Facing Left", held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels so alive, doesn’t it? Even though it’s just a horse, the linework suggests movement, like it could prance right off the page. Curator: Considering Tempesta's other works, often filled with battle scenes, it's tempting to read this horse as a symbol of power, and perhaps even the aristocratic privilege associated with equestrian pursuits. Editor: Or maybe it’s just a horse! I mean, doesn’t it feel more like a celebration of simple beauty? The way the tail is done is so cute. Curator: Perhaps. But when we consider the context of early modern Europe, it becomes clear that even seemingly benign subjects could reinforce existing social hierarchies. Editor: Hmm, I still like imagining him running free across the Tuscan countryside. Curator: Well, perhaps there's room for both interpretations, a testament to the complexity of art and its reception. Editor: Absolutely! Art should let us dream, right?