Rijtuigen c. 1822 - 1849

This print, made by Jan de Lange the Younger, depicts a variety of carriages, symbols of status and mobility in the 19th century. Each carriage, pulled by horses, represents a specific type of journey, from leisurely travel to mercantile activity. Consider the horse: throughout history, it has represented power, freedom, and the dynamism of life. We see echoes of this in ancient equestrian statues, where the horse and rider embody authority, and in the mythic Centaurs, creatures that fuse human intellect with animal strength. The horse is a symbol laden with cultural memory, evoking subconscious associations of vitality and dominance. Notice how each driver holds the reins, asserting control. This act, a microcosm of human will over the natural world, resonates deeply. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves, the swaying carriage—they invite us to reflect on our own journeys, both literal and metaphorical. These images engage us on a primal level, stirring memories and emotions tied to movement, exploration, and the ever-turning wheel of fortune.