Twee ganzen met een jong 1775 - 1833

This delicate drawing by Jean Bernard captures two geese with their young, rendered with graphite on paper. The goose, across cultures and epochs, has carried varied symbolism. In ancient Egypt, it was associated with Amun, representing creation and cosmic order. We see echoes of the goose as a symbol of vigilance in Roman mythology, linked to Juno and the warning of the Gauls' attack on Rome. Consider how this motif has shifted—from divine representation to emblems of watchfulness. The enduring presence of such imagery speaks to our collective unconscious. The protective nature of the adult geese towards their young evokes primal emotions. It's a motif of family, safety, and care, resonating deep within our psyches. Indeed, this drawing invites us to contemplate the goose’s rich symbolic journey. A symbol that continues to resurface, adapt, and find new resonance across the ages.