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30,000 years before the birth of Christ, an artist was carving a horse amulet in bone!
Shortly after the domestication of horses, between 3000 and 2000 B.C., they played a key role in the expansion of civilization itself, as well as what has been and is, a role in the world of art. History clearly shows
this wonderful animal has intrigued the artist as much as the horseman, from prehistory to the twenty first century.
Truthfully, knowing the artistic history, knowing how horses were depicted in this or that time period or place, tells us
a whole lot about the culture of man in that period or place. From value as a food source, willing worker and explorer,
a partner in work, sport, symbol of status, to a symbol of living essence and spirit,
horses have marched through the centuries right along with mankind, most often in the role of helper or source of inspiration, and just as often as a guide to the deeper values within man himself.
Site Sections about the History of
Horse Art --
additional areas will be added below
Ancient Civilizations
From cave paintings to other art
works of ancient civilizations, the
horse is a vital force in the life
of mankind.
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Early Oriental
Tomb figures, pottery and
other examples of early
Oriental art are
museum treasures today.
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Medieval Times
The art of medieval
times makes it clear how
essential
horses were
in
the daily life of both the rich
and the poor.
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Renaissance
Along with the Renaissance
came artists' interest in man,
plus an interest in
horses
which was now frequently
depicted in art works.
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Baroque Age
The end of the Renaissance
flowed into the Baroque and
equine artwork along with equitation
became popular. |
Eighteenth Century
The Eighteenth
century began to focus on
equine anatomy and the
accuracy of a horse's portrait.
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Nineteenth Century Horse Art
Horses in artwork exploded in the
Nineteenth Century, along with
Thoroughbred racing, and the
formation of jockey clubs. |
Modern World
(Coming Soon)
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