Is it Enough to Want Something Passionately ( The Good Jockey ) 1895

In this watercolor by Toulouse-Lautrec, a jockey sits poised on his horse, surrounded by the atmosphere of the racetrack. Note how the horse and rider motif carries echoes of ancient equestrian statues and the symbolic power of man dominating nature, yet here, it is imbued with a modern, psychological tension. The figure of the horse has long been a potent symbol. We find it in the classical world as the steeds of gods and heroes. Think of the winged Pegasus, a symbol of wisdom and inspiration. Over time, the horse evolved into a symbol of nobility and control. Here, in Lautrec’s rendition, we see it charged with the nervous energy of competition, a reflection of the human ambition driving the scene. The question posed by the title, "Is it Enough to Want Something Passionately," hints at a deeper exploration of desire. This timeless theme resonates with our own aspirations. As we observe the jockey, we feel the weight of his ambitions and the uncertainty of his fate, a poignant commentary on the human condition.