Vrouw met een kalf in een roeiboot 1625 - 1633

This is a curious engraving by Pieter Serwouters, depicting a woman with a calf in a rowboat. The central image captures our attention with its intimate yet incongruous pairing. But let's consider the symbolic weight of the calf. Across cultures, the calf often embodies themes of innocence, sacrifice, and potential. We are reminded of Europa and the bull—an image of abduction and transformation, a potent symbol of cultural exchange. And who could forget the Golden Calf, a testament to idolatry? The calf's presence here in the boat may tap into this deep well of collective memory, engaging us on a subconscious level. Is she a protective mother, or a willing participant? How do we feel when we see such a vulnerable animal put into this situation? The ebb and flow of cultural memory is ever shifting, with symbols like the calf resurfacing and evolving throughout time. The motifs and gestures within an artwork, such as this one, continue to engage us across centuries.