En stående tyr og en liggende ko 1850

This etching by Johannes Wilhelm Zillen presents a standing bull and a reclining cow, symbols deeply rooted in human history and culture. From ancient Egypt, where the bull Apis was worshipped as a god of strength and fertility, to the Minoan civilization’s bull-leaping rituals, the bull embodies potent forces. The image of cattle is not confined to antiquity; they appear across various eras and regions. Consider the Golden Calf, a symbol of idolatry, contrasting with the revered status of cows in Hinduism, embodying non-violence and motherhood. Here, Zillen's depiction invokes a primal connection, engaging our subconscious with themes of power and repose, vitality and serenity. The composition itself evokes a sense of the eternal, of cycles of life and renewal. These symbols speak to our collective memory, reminding us of humanity's enduring relationship with the natural world, a relationship that continues to evolve, yet remains deeply ingrained in our psyche.