House of Merchants
The use of Palfrey Horses by 13th Century Merchants

In the medieval era, merchants needed dependable transportation for their goods, and this included horses. Palfreys, a specific type of horse, were held in high esteem for their ability to travel long distances while providing a comfortable ride. These horses were not a breed but were trained for their smooth gait and lightweight. Merchants, in particular, would have utilized palfreys for their travels and ensured that their horses were well taken care of since their success depended on them.

During that period, symbols were commonly used to represent professions, and the scale or balance became a popular symbol for merchants. It represented the accuracy and fairness of their dealings and emphasized the significance of weighing and measuring goods correctly.

In the 13th-century illustration of the Apocalypse rider, the third horseman is depicted riding a black horse and holding a pair of scales. This description symbolizes a great famine that was likely caused by the war brought on by the second horseman. The voice among the four living creatures instructs, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!" This description emphasizes the scarcity of staple food items such as wheat and barley, as the prices have risen so high that only a day's wages can buy a quart of wheat. It sheds light on the challenging times that medieval merchants faced during famines and conflicts.

Merchants throughout history have explored beyond their homelands to seek out new opportunities and bring back fresh ideas, leading to the introduction of new technologies and artistic styles and helping transform societies and economies.