Studieblad met koeien 1901 - 1907

Willem Witsen sketched these cows with pencil, and his choice of subject matter summons an entire universe of rural symbolism. Cows, often associated with fertility and nourishment, are potent symbols across cultures. Consider the ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor, often depicted with bovine features, embodying motherhood and abundance. Here, the cow invites reflection on nature's cycles, and our deep, subconscious ties to the animal world. This humble farm animal assumes the mantle of an archetypal figure, a vessel of collective memory. What primal emotions are stirred when we gaze upon it? Is it the gentle assurance of provision, or perhaps a longing for a simpler, pastoral existence? These motifs remind us that images evolve, their meanings shaped by the currents of time and culture. The power of symbols lies in their ability to transcend the ages, resurfacing in new forms to resonate with our deepest selves.