A Ride Through Cultural History

This magnificent book is the result of Commandeur’s expertise and
experience. His love for and knowledge of horses shines through on every
page. It is informative without being pedantic and entertaining without
being superficial. It is aimed at a wide audience, ranging from seasoned
hippologists to horse lovers with no background in art history. It also
appeals to readers like me, who have a professional or general interest in
culture, art history, and natural history, but no specific knowledge of horses.
I hope readers enjoy the book as much as I have.”
** Dr. Paul J. Smith (emeritus professor Leiden University,
Centre for the Arts in Society)

“Boudewijn Commandeur has a keen eye for the telling detail in a work
of art, for the overlooked artist, and for the subtle connections among
apparently dissimilar works. A lifelong horseman, he explains how
equestrian practice is often reflected in the art of the day, and above all he
shows us the sheer appeal of the horse for artists across the millennia.”
** Robin Bledsoe (independent scholar and bookseller,
Cambridge, Massachusetts)