Bokken en geiten 1581 - 1600

This engraving, "Bucks and Goats," was made by an anonymous artist, and now resides in the Rijksmuseum. It is a fascinating example of how animals were used to represent human characteristics and social dynamics. In the context of the 16th or 17th century, likely the Netherlands given the location, the image of goats butting heads could represent conflict and competition within society. The Latin inscription at the bottom suggests a deeper commentary on power, defense, and vulnerability, reflecting the social and political upheavals of the time. The artist uses visual codes, drawing upon common cultural understandings of animal behavior to comment on human interactions and societal structures. To fully understand this work, we can explore emblem books, bestiaries, and social histories of the period. This will help to reveal the attitudes towards class, power, and social conflict. By placing the artwork in its institutional and cultural context, we can better appreciate its meaning.