Horse's Head

The drawing captures a horse in a state of high tension or exertion, indicated by the flared nostrils, wide eye, and open mouth revealing a decorative metal bit. The artist uses fine hatching to define the muscular anatomy of the neck and the delicate texture of the mane. This work is a close stylistic follower of Raphael, likely related to the large-scale battle compositions produced by his workshop.

In the Neoplatonic tradition revived during the Renaissance, the horse was often interpreted through Plato's Chariot Allegory in the 'Phaedrus', representing the spirited or noble impulse of the soul that must be guided by reason. Such anatomical studies reflect the period's commitment to Natural Philosophy, seeking to understand the 'anima' or vital spirit of living creatures through precise observation.