Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van een kudde koeien, met op de achtergrond zeilschepen op de Schelde, door Alfred Verwee before 1900

This is a photographic reproduction, made by Alexandre around 1900, of Alfred Verwee’s painting of cows with sailboats in the background. The docile presence of the cows evokes the ancient motif of pastoral harmony, a theme deeply embedded in the human psyche. Consider how such images of animals tie back to ancient notions of sacrifice and the sacredness of nature, often seen in pre-Christian art. This imagery represents a longing for simpler, pre-industrial times. But here, the inclusion of sailboats in the background introduces a contrasting symbol of trade, and human intervention, reminding us of the ever-changing landscape of human progress. Reflect on how the cyclical return to such themes in art speaks to a collective memory of humanity’s relationship with nature, each iteration colored by the anxieties and aspirations of its time. The psychological resonance of these symbols is a powerful force, engaging us on a profound, subconscious level.