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We were asked about the significance of the position of the horse's legs
in equestrian statues. We have a reference in our files to LJ July 1950,
an article on hard to find answers, which says: 1)all four legs on the
ground - the rider escaped unscathed in every engagement; 2) one front leg
raised - the rider was wounded; 3) both front legs raised - he died in
battle. The source quoted is the Infantry Journal. I would like to confirm
this. The long artlcle in the Dictionary of Art says nothing about
symbolism. In a book on New York City memorials it is stated that one leg
raised symbolizes victory -- originally, the body of the defeated enemy
would have been shown under the horse's feet. I've not been able to find
anything else in recent sources. Any leads or information gratefully
received.
Stanley Shiebert
Librarian PHONE: (206) 386-4615
Fine and Performing Arts FAx: (206) 386-4616
Seattle Public Library
1000 Fourth Avenue INTERNET: [log in to unmask]
Seattle, WA 98104
