Gezicht op het Trocadéro met de Pont d'Iéna te Parijs 1890 - 1898

Edouard Hautecoer captured this view of the Trocadéro and the Pont d'Iéna in Paris using photography. At the forefront, we observe equestrian statues standing guard, symbols of power and nobility, harking back to classical antiquity. Consider the horse, a motif deeply embedded in our collective psyche. In ancient Greece, equestrian statues were erected to honor victorious generals and emperors, their image forever immortalized. This symbol transcends time, reappearing throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods, each iteration reflecting a desire to connect with the glory of the past. But it evolves; no longer just about military might, it begins to symbolize statesmanship. The equestrian statue is not merely a historical artifact; it is a psychological anchor, evoking subconscious associations of authority, honor, and the enduring spirit of leadership. This symbolic language engages viewers on a deep, almost primal level. As we gaze upon this image, we are drawn into a non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, each resurfacing and evolving across time.