Stier staand bij boomstronk c. 1657 - 1761

Marcus de Bye created this etching of a bull standing by a tree stump in the 17th century. The bull, a symbol of strength and virility, has been a recurring motif throughout art history, embodying power and primal energy. Consider the bull in ancient Minoan culture, where it was central to religious rituals, or the bull-god Apis in ancient Egypt. This image echoes those earlier depictions, yet it’s domesticated, standing calmly in a Dutch landscape. The image of the bull resurfaces throughout history, shifting from divine symbol to a representation of earthly strength. Each appearance adds a new layer of meaning, connecting us to the primal forces that resonate deep within our collective memory. The power of the bull as an image lies in its enduring ability to tap into our subconscious understanding of strength.