Twee varkens liggend bij hek c. 1657 - 1761

Marcus de Bye created this etching of two pigs lying by a fence in the 17th century. The image presents symbols of domesticity and nature, reflecting the period's interest in rural life. Consider how the image of the pig has been charged with varying symbolism throughout history. The pig, often associated with vice and gluttony in Christian iconography, here takes on a more benign, almost pastoral quality. We see them resting, seemingly content. This echoes in ancient Greek art, where pigs were sacrificed to Demeter, goddess of agriculture, as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The image engages our collective memory, triggering subconscious associations with abundance and earthly pleasures. The animal's relaxed posture invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with nature, evoking deep psychological responses related to comfort and security. The symbol of the pig has progressed from ancient times to contemporary art, charged with different symbolic weight, a testament to the cyclical nature of cultural memory.