Kilden; Væderen og grisen 1845

Adolph Kittendorff created this print called 'The Well; The Ram and the Pig' using etching. Observe how Kittendorff juxtaposes two distinct scenes. On one side, a serene wellspring, a traditional symbol of life and purity. On the other, a ram and pig locked in combat, embodying primal struggle. The ram, throughout history, has symbolized virility, determination, and leadership, and this aggressive stance is a powerful assertion. The pig, often linked with notions of stubbornness, or even uncleanness, presents a counterforce. Consider how these animals remind us of archetypal confrontations. From ancient myths to contemporary narratives, we see echoes of such conflicts. Think of the Minotaur, half-man, half-bull, a monstrous embodiment of these primal energies. Notice how these images have resurfaced time and again, adapted to reflect the anxieties and values of different cultures. These symbols tap into our collective unconscious, a reservoir of shared human experience. They engage us on a level deeper than reason, provoking a response rooted in our primal selves.