Weiland met liggende koe 1761 - 1784

This etching by Johannes Janson presents a seemingly simple scene, yet it resonates with profound cultural echoes. The recumbent cow, a pastoral symbol of fertility and nourishment, dominates the foreground, its presence speaking to humanity's primal connection with nature. Consider the ancient myths where cattle were sacred, embodiments of divine power and abundance. This image, therefore, is not merely a depiction of livestock, but a vessel carrying centuries of symbolic weight. Think of the Egyptian goddess Hathor, often depicted as a cow, or the bull of Europa. This motif transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, recurring across cultures in varying forms. The artist taps into a collective memory, a subconscious recognition of the cow as a potent symbol. Perhaps, on a deeper level, it evokes feelings of maternal comfort, of being nurtured and sustained. The pastoral setting enhances this sense of tranquility, a visual balm for the anxieties of modern life. The symbol, a once revered deity, evolves into a representation of simple sustenance and peace. It has resurfaced and taken on new meanings within different cultural contexts.