Man die een paard bestijgt zonder de stijgbeugels te gebruiken before 1889

Curator: This fascinating gelatin silver print, whose authorship is listed as Anonymous, captured before 1889, is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It is entitled “Man die een paard bestijgt zonder de stijgbeugels te gebruiken," or "Man Mounting a Horse Without Stirrups.” Editor: What strikes me immediately is the sense of captured movement, frozen in a way, like a dancer mid-leap. There's an elegance, almost a defiance, in choosing to mount a horse without the aid of stirrups. It feels bold, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed, there is an inherent display of mastery, strength, and agility—something likely admired, perhaps even aspirational, in its time. The very existence of this photograph points to a societal interest in horsemanship, not just as a practical skill but also as a marker of status and ability. Editor: Absolutely. And the realism! It’s a far cry from the idealized equestrian portraits we often see. It’s like a moment caught candidly, which in turn brings a touch of whimsy for me. The ordinary on display for the world to see! Curator: Right. Furthermore, photographic prints from this period are more than just images; they are artifacts that allow us glimpses into the technological capabilities and societal preoccupations of the era. It seems like a study in process and method with its neighbor pages with their typeset instructions. Editor: Looking at it now, I can appreciate it not just for its technical qualities, or its societal context, but just… its unexpected beauty. The grace, skill, and freedom it evokes! Curator: I concur. The photograph captures both technical expertise and cultural values, giving this a lasting position of privilege. Editor: Ultimately, this small work has reminded me of the simple pleasures of experiencing history through a lens, in all its ordinary and extraordinary detail.