Acrobat with Two Horses

Marino Marini was fascinated with the relationship between man and horse. The horse, the horse and rider, the fallen rider and, as here, the circus rider/acrobat appear in countless drawings, prints, paintings and sculptures throughout his life. Marini draws upon the tradition of ancient Etruscan and Roman equestrian statues but invests his subject with modern insight. Through the quality of gesture, line, form, tone, color and texture, he reveals internal, psychological states. The acrobat pictured in this print stands confidently at center with arms and legs outstretched in a posture of triumph. Together, he and the f lanking horses invite and receive the accolades of a cheering crowd. Implicit in this and other works by Marini are the dual themes of human/animal mastery and cooperation.