Horse Racing c. 1970s

LeRoy Neiman’s ‘Horse Racing’ captures the raw energy of equine competition. At its heart, it evokes something older and much more primal. The horse has long been a symbol of power, freedom, and virility across cultures, a tradition that stretches back millennia. In ancient Greece, horses were linked with Poseidon, god of the sea, embodying untamed strength. This motif resurfaces in countless forms, from the equestrian statues of Roman emperors to the steeds of medieval knights. Even the Centaurs, beings of duality, half-man, half-horse, reflect an attempt to reconcile human intellect with animal instinct. Here, Neiman reduces these traditions into pure form and movement. Through bright, unbridled strokes, we no longer see just a sporting event, but a primal dance. The painting engages us on a visceral level, tapping into our collective memories and subconscious understanding of power and movement. It is as if the echoes of ancient arenas and mythological battles linger in each stroke.