Kop van een rund 1819 - 1881

Johannes Tavenraat’s drawing captures the head of a bull with remarkable precision. The bull, an ancient symbol, is laden with cultural significance. In ancient Minoan culture, the bull was a sacred animal, linked to virility and power. Think of the bull-leaping rituals in Knossos, a dance between man and beast. This symbolism echoes through the ages. In ancient Egypt, the Apis bull was worshipped as a manifestation of the god Ptah, representing fertility and strength. The horns of the bull, curving upwards, can even be seen as a symbol of power. Consider how the meaning of the bull has morphed. From sacred deity to a representation of raw, untamed power, it still engages our subconscious. The image of the bull, passed down through art and culture, speaks to a deep-seated psychological recognition of strength and potency. It’s a testament to the enduring power of symbols.