Nuttige dieren 1875 - 1903

This educational print, titled ‘Nuttige Dieren’ by Jan de Haan, presents archetypal images of animals integral to Dutch rural life: the donkey, sheep, cow, and horse. Here, each animal embodies a certain characteristic: the donkey, a beast of burden and patience; the sheep, gentle providers of wool; the cow, a source of nourishment; and the horse, representing strength and freedom. The image of the horse, in particular, has carried significant cultural weight through the ages. From ancient friezes depicting triumphant Roman emperors on horseback to Renaissance paintings celebrating the power and grace of equine figures, the horse has been a potent symbol. Consider how the horse, initially a symbol of untamed wilderness, was gradually domesticated, mirroring humanity's own journey from the wild to cultivation. This transition is echoed in countless myths and legends, where the horse becomes a companion and even a divine messenger. Its portrayal reveals our intertwined history, a narrative resonating deep within our collective psyche.