Head of a Dutch Landrace Goat 1655 - 1665

Lambert Doomer rendered this drawing of a Dutch Landrace Goat with pen and brown ink, accentuating its commanding horns. Consider the enduring symbolism of the goat, an animal whose image is deeply embedded in our collective memory. Throughout the ages, it has been seen as a symbol of untamed vitality and potent virility, often linked to deities of nature and fertility, such as Pan in ancient Greece. Yet, there is also a darker side. The goat has been historically associated with malevolence, embodying the diabolical. One cannot help but think of the goat as a symbol of the demonic. The emotional power of this image lies in its raw, unidealized portrayal. It is a reminder of the primal forces that continue to shape our understanding of the world, with this symbol continuing its cyclical progression through history, evolving and adapting to different contexts, a testament to the enduring power of cultural memory.