Six iconic horses in art history

From ancient Chinese scrolls to modern sculptures, horses have long symbolised freedom, strength, royalty, movement, and power in art history. Across centuries and cultures, artists have returned to the image of the horse to create some of the world’s most unforgettable masterpieces. (unsplash)

Five Drunken Princes Returning on Horseback by Ren Renfa: This rare Chinese scroll painting portrays Tang princes returning from a banquet and became internationally famous after its record breaking auction sale in Hong Kong. (youtube: sotheby's)

Horse by Shin Sang-ho: Part of Shin Sang-ho’s “Structure and Energy: Horse” series, this contemporary ceramic sculpture uses multiple legs and layered forms to create a striking illusion of motion and energy. (metropolitan museum of art)

Night-Shining White by Han Gan: Created during the Tang dynasty, this celebrated Chinese scroll painting depicts Emperor Xuanzong’s prized horse and is admired for capturing both physical detail and emotional spirit. (youtube: sotheby's)

A black horse and a white horse by Sanyu: Using minimalist brushwork and expansive empty space, Sanyu transformed horses into poetic symbols of solitude, elegance, and modern life. (youtube: sotheby's)

The Broncho Buster by Frederic Remington: This famous bronze sculpture of a cowboy taming a wild horse became one of the defining images of the American West and remains a symbol of rugged frontier mythology. (wikimedia commons)

Whistlejacket, George Stubbs: This life size 18th century portrait of a racing horse became one of the most iconic horse paintings in Western art because of its realism, anatomy, and striking sense of movement. (wikimedia commons)