Lente 1660

This print, "Lente," was created by Jan van Ossenbeeck in the 17th century. We see pastoral life depicted, dominated by the act of tending to animals, particularly the milking of goats. Note the vessel being used to collect the milk; this simple object transcends mere utility. Across cultures, vessels are more than containers. Think of the Holy Grail, a symbol of spiritual purity, or the cornucopia, overflowing with abundance. Here, the pail, though humble, connects to that deep, collective memory of nourishment and sustenance, evoking the endless cycle of life and nature's bounty. The dogs too, loyal companions to humanity, speak to the entwined fates of humans and animals. They remind us of the ever-shifting relationship between the wild and the domestic. As the ages progress, these symbols resurface, reminding us of the past that continues to inform the present.