Herding horses 

Han Gan’s "Herding Horses," probably from the Tang dynasty, employs ink and color on silk to capture a scene of human-animal partnership. The composition divides our attention, with the dark horse in the foreground and the lighter one behind, creating depth. The palette is restrained, focusing on muted tones to emphasize form. Han Gan's work can be seen as a study in contrasts and relationships. The stark difference in the horses' coloring brings forward questions of hierarchy and balance. The dynamic brushwork brings life to the scene, while the restrained palette reflects the philosophical underpinnings of Tang art. The arrangement of figures, the use of line, and the interplay of light and shadow all point to a deeper exploration of perception. The very act of herding embodies concepts of order and control, suggesting a reflection on social structures and the human role within the natural world. Han Gan's "Herding Horses" isn't merely a depiction of figures, it's an exploration of harmony and tension, crafted through masterful composition and form.