Description
Pale Horse With Riders, no dateCasein on Arches
Signed BC (what’s the reason for this?)
11 x 7 in. (image)
14.75 x 10.75 x 2 in. (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The painting “Pale Horse With Riders” presents a grim scene featuring a skeletal figure riding a pale horse, accompanied by two cherub-like beings. The skeletal rider, possibly symbolizing death, is depicted with raised hands, evoking a sense of triumph or power. The background is dominated by dark hues, with flames and skulls at the base, suggesting destruction or the aftermath of conflict. Above the rider, an orange sun or halo appears, casting an ominous glow over the scene.
From a Zen perspective, this artwork can be seen as a meditation on the impermanence of life. The skeletal figure riding the horse symbolizes the inescapable nature of death, a fundamental truth in Zen philosophy. The cherubs may represent innocence or the soul’s journey, contrasting with the decay below, highlighting the transient nature of existence. The fire and skulls remind us that attachment to material things or outcomes is futile, as everything is subject to change and dissolution.
The imagery could relate to Hexagram 23, “Splitting Apart,” which signifies decay and the need for renewal. In the I Ching, it speaks of the breakdown of old structures to make way for new growth, much like the cycle of life and death. The rider’s presence on a pale horse, often linked to the biblical apocalypse, can also reflect the inevitable cycles of destruction and rebirth. The cherub figures suggest a potential for new beginnings even amid decay.
Combining the Zen and I Ching interpretations, the painting serves as a visual reminder of the cyclic nature of life and death. While the skeletal rider symbolizes the end of life, the cherubs and the sun above indicate that beyond destruction lies the potential for renewal. The fire and skulls highlight the natural order’s duality — creation arises from destruction, light emerges from darkness.
The imagery draws inspiration from apocalyptic themes, resembling works such as Albrecht Dürer’s “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” or medieval depictions of the danse macabre. The use of symbolic elements like the sun, fire, and skulls aligns with traditional allegorical art, where these elements convey deeper moral or philosophical messages. The technique, with expressive brushwork and dark palette, evokes an atmosphere reminiscent of Romanticism’s exploration of the sublime and the macabre.
The artwork can be viewed as a meditation on mortality, the inevitability of change, and the cyclical nature of existence, bridging themes from various cultural and philosophical traditions.
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Currently ships from Oregon, USA
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“Pale Horse With Riders” was featured in his Yes Retrospective.
Reproductions of this drawing are available in multiple sizes!
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This artwork is available with a non-fungible token to ensure traceability and transparency of provenance.
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