Liggende schapen met lammeren en geit met jongen 1732 - 1776

Gilles Demarteau created this artwork using etching. Observe the symbols depicted here: sheep, lambs, and a goat with its young. Across cultures, sheep have signified innocence, purity, and sacrifice. In Christian iconography, Christ is often depicted as the Good Shepherd, guiding and protecting his flock. Here, the intimate gathering of sheep and lambs evokes themes of familial love and pastoral tranquility. Yet, note the presence of the goat, an animal often associated with virility, stubbornness, and even the demonic. This juxtaposition might be a nod to the complex interplay of innocence and darker impulses in human nature. Consider how these symbols resonate in works ranging from classical pastoral scenes to religious art across centuries. The image of the lamb, for example, evolves from a sacrificial offering to a symbol of gentleness and divine guidance. This transmission and transformation reflects the ongoing dialogue between cultural memory and the subconscious, shaping how we perceive these images today. Demarteau's etching powerfully engages us, tapping into deeply embedded associations and emotions.