Twee vechtende paarden naar rechts rennend 1590

This engraving by Antonio Tempesta, made around 1600, depicts two horses locked in a fierce battle. Horses, throughout history, have been potent symbols of energy, virility, and untamed power. Consider how, in ancient Greece, horses were often associated with Poseidon, the god of the sea, and the tumultuous forces of nature. The rearing, combative stance we see here echoes in countless depictions of battles and mythological scenes across time. From the rearing horses of the Roman equestrian statues to Delacroix's romantic depictions, the motif carries a persistent emotional charge. The image of battling horses plunges into the depths of our collective memory, evoking primal instincts and the raw struggle for dominance. This resonates on a subconscious level, stirring something deep within us, a visceral understanding of conflict and the untamed spirit. The image becomes more than just horses fighting; it becomes a mirror reflecting the eternal dance of opposing forces.