Koeienkop naar rechts 1798 - 1837

This small etching, "Koeienkop naar rechts," by Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar, presents us with the head of a cow, rendered with simple yet evocative lines. The cow, a symbol of nourishment and pastoral life, carries a rich, multi-layered history. We see it echoed through time: from the ancient Minoan reverence for bulls, symbols of virility and power, to the Egyptian goddess Hathor, depicted with bovine features, embodying motherhood and fertility. Consider how the image of the cow has transformed – from a sacred entity to a symbol of agricultural prosperity in Dutch Golden Age paintings. Yet, beneath these layers of cultural significance, a primal connection remains: the cow as a source of life, evoking feelings of comfort and sustenance. This humble etching, with its direct gaze, reminds us of the enduring power of simple images to tap into deep-seated emotions and shared memories.