Drie schetsen van een liggende koe 1816

This drawing was made by Jean Bernard in 1816. Observe how the motif of the bovine, rendered with such earnest attention, transcends mere pastoral imagery. The cow here is not just a farm animal; it echoes ancient symbols of nourishment, fertility, and maternal strength. Consider its ancestor, the Egyptian goddess Hathor, depicted with bovine features, a deity embodying abundance and protection. This symbol resurfaces through the ages. Later, we see it in the myth of Europa and the bull, wherein Zeus transforms himself into a white bull to abduct the Phoenician princess, carrying her across the sea. Here, the docile creature is fraught with divine power and transformative potential. Such images resonate deeply within us, tapping into primal memories and archetypal narratives. In art, the emotional and psychological weight of these images connects us to the past, unveiling the complex layers of meaning accumulated over centuries.