Juárez, a renowned self-taught Mexican sculptor, displays his expressive depiction of animals and humans in our Caballo con Jinete Viendo las Estrellas (Horse with Rider Seeing the Stars). Horses, along with bulls, symbolize strength, vitality, and a connection to rural Mexican life, themes deeply rooted in Juárez’s own experiences growing up around livestock and aspiring to be a bullfight. Although Juárez depicts horses in many of his sculptures, his animal figures are never repetitive – each rendered with unique character and movement.
As the title suggests, this is a contemplative scene, with the rider gazing at the stars – possibly evoking the bond between human and nature. The artist signals this connection as both the rider and the horse look towards the heavens in search of the stars. Juárez drew inspiration from pre-Hispanic Mexican art, as well as from classical and modern sculptors such as Henry Moore, Picasso, and Rodin. His self-taught background and life experiences as a bullfighter deeply informed his artistic vision.