Solon H. Borglum, born Ogden, UT - Horse - n.d. - T-Shirt

This pencil study shows the hindquarters and legs of a horse, drawn from behind on a torn sheet of cream paper.

Visual Elements & Composition

The drawing is built from graphite grey lines on a warm cream ground. A single curved line sweeps up the left side to define the back and haunch, and the hind legs descend in separate columns to the hooves at the bottom of the sheet. Small accents mark the joints, while short, parallel strokes suggest muscle along the thigh. The edges are irregular and torn, and the sheet is set against a grey backing, so the paper itself becomes part of the composition.

Meaning & Symbolism

This is an anatomy study rather than a finished scene. The legs are set apart and drawn with light, repeated lines, which let the eye follow how each joint bends and how weight passes into the hooves. Studies like this were essential preparation for an animal sculptor, because an accurate bronze depended on a close understanding of musculature and stance. The fragmentary, unfinished sheet puts the working process ahead of the final form. The artist, Solon Borglum (1868-1922), was an American sculptor born in Ogden, Utah, known for bronze animal and Western subjects. He spent years working in Paris, and he was the younger brother of Gutzon Borglum.

Built for the Front and Back of a Tee

A study drawn from behind works well across the chest of a shirt, where the horse's hindquarters and legs read clearly at a glance. The spare, analytical layout suits a garment worn at close range, so the joints and hooves stay in view as you move. The torn-paper edge and cream tone bring the feel of a working sketchbook page onto the shirt.