Tre får 1620 - 1683

Nicolaes Berchem etched "Three Sheep" in the 17th century, a humble pastoral scene that belies the symbolic weight these creatures have carried through time. Observe the sheep, recurring figures throughout art history. In Christian iconography, they represent the faithful flock and Christ himself. Their presence evokes a sense of pastoral innocence, but also sacrifice. Consider the "Agnus Dei," the Lamb of God, a symbol of purity and redemption, its echoes found in countless Renaissance paintings. Yet, the sheep's symbolism is not confined to the West. In ancient cultures, the ram was a symbol of fertility and strength, linked to gods and heroes. This duality—meekness and power—reveals the complex layers of meaning embedded in a seemingly simple image. As we gaze upon these sheep, we tap into a deep well of cultural memory, connecting us to ages past, where symbols transcended mere representation and spoke to the very core of human experience.