Twee liggende koeien 1810 - 1814

Anthony Oberman etched these two lying cows in April 1816. The cows, rendered with careful detail, evoke a sense of pastoral tranquility, but let's delve deeper into what they represent. In ancient cultures, the cow was a powerful symbol, revered in Egypt as the goddess Hathor, a deity of motherhood and nourishment. Even in the Minoan civilization, the bull's horns were a sacred symbol of strength. Consider how the symbolism has morphed over time: from divine status to emblems of pastoral life. Yet, the primal connection to nature and sustenance remains palpable. It's an echo of our ancestors' reliance on these gentle creatures for survival. The depiction here engages us on a subconscious level: a longing for simpler times, for the unhurried rhythm of nature. The cows embody a deep-seated psychological resonance, reminding us of our bond with the earth and the comforting rhythm of life. A symbol that transcends time, resurfacing in Oberman's etching, forever evolving yet eternally familiar.