Falling Off Collection
From the perilous world of 19th century cycling accidents to modern-day equestrian sports, the theme of a sudden and unexpected fall is a timeless one
For sale as Licensed Images
Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media
From the perilous world of 19th century cycling accidents to modern-day equestrian sports, the theme of a sudden and unexpected fall is a timeless one. Witness the macabre beauty of Death Striking, a historiated initial from the Macclesfield Psalter, depicting the grim reaper claiming a soul. In the realm of competitive sports, the sound of the horn signifies both triumph and disaster, as shown in this Victorian satirical cartoon, "The Sound of the Horn, or Pride goeth before a fall. " Elsewhere, the sisters Psyche and Fortuna, as portrayed in this print, remind us of the unpredictable nature of fate and the fragility of our balance. In the animal kingdom, even the most seasoned adults, like these Adelie penguins, can find themselves tumbling off an iceberg in a snowstorm. And let us not forget the thrill and danger of traditional gypsy games, such as the Ass Race, immortalized in this oil painting from 1792. Whether it's the result of human hubris or the natural world's unyielding forces, falling off is an experience that transcends time and culture. So, heed the lessons of history, be it from the pages of a medieval manuscript or a modern-day sports arena, and stay grounded.