Bull c. 1896

Here we see Emmanuel Fremiet's 'Bull' at the Art Institute of Chicago, a striking sculpture realized in bronze. This is not merely a bull, but a Winged Bull. Consider the symbol of the bull itself - from ancient Minoan frescoes to the myth of the Minotaur, the bull embodies raw power, fertility, and untamed masculinity. Now, imagine it with wings. This fusion transcends the earthly realm, elevating the bull to a divine status. We see winged bulls, or lamassu, guarding the gates of ancient Assyrian cities, symbols of protection, strength and royal power. How fascinating that Fremiet, in 19th-century France, revives this ancient motif! Is it a conscious homage? Or does the collective memory of this symbol bubble up from the depths of our shared subconscious? The image of the winged bull strikes at an emotional level, engaging our primal instincts, conjuring awe, and reminding us of the enduring power of symbols across time.