Romeinse ruiter van zijn paard getild 1567

This print, made in 1567 by Abraham de Bruyn, captures a Roman rider unseated from his horse. Born in Antwerp, de Bruyn lived during a time of religious and political upheaval. Consider how the artist's identity as a member of the bourgeoisie might have shaped his perception and portrayal of power dynamics. Here, we witness a moment of vulnerability, a disruption of hierarchical order. The rider, symbolic of authority and control, is now prone on the ground. The horse, no longer a vehicle of power, stands passively by a tree. What does it mean to see a figure of authority humbled? De Bruyn's choice to depict this scene invites us to consider the transient nature of power and the shared vulnerability of all individuals, regardless of their social standing. In this small but potent image, we are reminded of the precariousness of human existence and the ever-present possibility of unexpected falls from grace.