Gezelschap van ruiters c. 1840 - 1860

Charles Rochussen made this drawing of a company of horse riders with pencil on paper. The horse, a symbol deeply entwined with power and nobility, is the focal point here. Consider the equestrian statues of Roman emperors, where the horse signified dominion and control. Yet, in Rochussen's sketch, the horse seems less a symbol of power and more a gentle companion. The riders, appearing relaxed and informal, suggest a departure from the horse's traditional association with military might or aristocratic privilege. We see echoes of earlier equestrian depictions, but with a shift in emphasis, a move toward the everyday rather than the heroic. This echoes how symbols evolve, carrying echoes of past meanings, and adapting to express new cultural nuances. It’s a cyclical progression.