Gesneuveld paard op de buik liggend 1674 - 1733

This engraving of a fallen horse, made by Jan van Huchtenburg, is held at the Rijksmuseum. Notice the lines. They delineate the contours of the horse’s heavy body, conveying a sense of weight and finality as it lies prone on the earth. Huchtenburg’s choice of medium allows for intricate detail, especially in the rendering of the horse’s musculature and the texture of the ground. Look at the parallel lines of the shading that suggest volume, depth, and the fall of light across the animal's form. This formal approach intensifies the pathos of the scene, focusing our attention on the physicality of death. The composition, with the horse dominating the foreground, emphasizes its vulnerability. It functions as a semiotic marker, symbolizing not just the loss of life, but perhaps also the futility of conflict. Through the stark contrast and detailed linework, Huchtenburg’s engraving prompts reflection on mortality and the costs of battle.