By Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira
Equestrian portrait of Stanisław Kostka Potocki by Jacques-Louis David
A Polish nobleman, Count S. K. Potocki (1752-1821), was participating in a hunt in the lands of the King of Naples. At this time, he was shown a horse considered to be indomitable. Immediately, the Count took off his coat and mounted the wild animal, which let itself be subjugated by him.
David, the great French painter, represented the scene at the moment in the Potocki had completed his victory. The horse, with admirable muscles and full of an amazing vitality, seems to be still foaming under the yoke of the knight. The knight, while almost creating an impression of fragility in relation to the animal that he rides, maintains his composure with serenity and elegance, having complete dominion over his senses as well as the horse, as he greets those who applaud his triumph.
This is an admirable symbol of the victory of spirit over matter, of man over the brute.
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What a beautiful theme of meditation for the men of our time, who frequently allow themselves to be overcome — not by an animal — but by something much lower in the order of existence, that is, by a machine!
Ambience Customs & Civilization, “Catolicismo” No. 117 – September 1960
