The Winning Post, from The Grand Steeplechase over Leicestershire Possibly 1830

Charles Bentley captured this scene of "The Winning Post" from the Grand Leicestershire Steeplechase, employing etching and aquatint. The horse, a symbol of power and aristocracy, is central, evoking ancient equestrian statues and the classical ideal of man and beast in harmonious unity. Note the dynamic posture of the leaping horses, a motif echoing the "horror vacui" seen in classical battle scenes, where every space is filled with action. This resonates with the human psyche's fear of emptiness, a desire to control and conquer space, mirroring the riders' ambition. Consider the raised arms of the spectators—a gesture of victory, of acclaim—a primal expression that transcends time. We see it in ancient Roman triumphs and persists even today in modern sporting events. This symbol of triumph highlights the enduring human quest for recognition and superiority. The visual language of power and victory is not linear but cyclical, reappearing, and evolving across centuries.