Landschap met twee paarden c. 1590 - 1637

Egbert van Panderen made this print, “Landscape with Two Horses,” in the Netherlands sometime in the early 17th century. The image depicts one horse standing triumphantly over another, who lies prostrate beneath its hooves. Images of horses, particularly equestrian portraits, were often used in Northern Europe to convey power and status. They became closely associated with the aristocracy and military leaders. Here, the vanquished horse might represent a defeated foe. The Latin inscription at the bottom hints at the glory and victory that comes from subjugating one's enemies. As an independent commercial print, this work would have circulated among a broad audience, reinforcing the social hierarchy and celebrating military prowess. These themes resonated within a society shaped by ongoing conflicts, such as the Eighty Years' War. To fully understand this print, we can look at the culture of printmaking in the Dutch Golden Age, and its impact on shaping public opinion. Examining military history and social hierarchies can help to shed light on the meaning of this image.