Ruiter te paard 1831 - 1904

Arnoud Schaepkens etched this diminutive print of a horseman, sometime in the 19th century. The figure brandishes a sword, a symbol resonating across epochs, from ancient heroes to medieval knights. This motif transcends time, reappearing in countless narratives. Think of the triumphant sword-wielding Perseus, or the stoic Roland facing insurmountable odds. The sword, originally a symbol of brutal force, evolves into an emblem of justice, honour, and sacrifice. One might even recall the Valkyries, female figures from Norse mythology, who decided who would live or die in battle. These symbols, deeply ingrained in our cultural memory, tap into primal emotions. Here, Schaepkens evokes a powerful, almost instinctual response. A reminder that the past is never truly gone, but perpetually resurfaces, shaping our present understanding.