The phrase signifies the fourth horseman described in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament of the Bible. This figure is often associated with Death or Pestilence, and its appearance is a symbol of widespread suffering and destruction. An example would be depicting the grim reaper riding a pale horse.
Understanding the symbolism is crucial for interpreting apocalyptic literature and art. It provides insight into historical anxieties about disease, famine, and warfare, revealing how these fears were personified and integrated into religious and cultural narratives. This figure remains a potent symbol of mortality and societal collapse. Its influence extends beyond religious contexts, finding representation in various forms of media and artistic expression.
