Een stier en een koe in een weiland 1798 - 1837

Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar created this etching of cattle in a meadow. The cow, a symbol of fertility and nourishment, has roots stretching back to ancient civilizations. In Hinduism, the cow is revered as sacred, embodying motherhood and abundance, a powerful force that echoes through the ages. Centuries before Bagelaar, the image of the cow appeared in ancient Egypt as the goddess Hathor, representing motherhood, beauty and divine grace. We see echoes of this reverence in various cultures. Even today, this primal connection endures, shaped by cultural memory and subconscious recognition. Notice the serene posture of the resting cow, while the bull stands guard. Consider the deep, often unspoken emotions tied to these animals, a testament to their enduring place in our collective psyche. The past reverberates into the present, revealing how symbols retain their emotional potency.