Liggende koe 1862 - 1910

Alphonse Stengelin sketched this lying cow. The image speaks to a universal symbolism of domesticity, fertility, and pastoral serenity. The recumbent bovine form has recurred throughout art history. Think of the ancient Egyptian depictions of Hathor as a cow goddess. Consider also, how this image differs from the raging bull of ancient Minoan frescoes; and how, over time, the symbol of the bull shifted to represent virility and power. Here, our cow exudes a gentle, nurturing presence, embodying a connection to the earth. This bovine posture has evolved over time to represent not just physical sustenance, but a deep-seated sense of peace. The seemingly simple image of the reclining cow thus invokes a complex array of cultural memories, highlighting the cyclical nature of symbols and their enduring impact on our collective unconscious.