Plate 8: A Cow c. 1575 - 1580

Here we see a cow, illustrated by Joris Hoefnagel, in what seems to be a naturalistic study. But let us not be deceived by its apparent simplicity. The cow, or 'bos' in Latin, has long been a symbol of nourishment, fertility, and patience. Its very presence evokes ancient agricultural societies, where cattle were not merely livestock, but treasures of immense value. Think back to ancient Egypt, where the cow goddess Hathor embodied motherhood and abundance, her image recurring across millennia, deeply etched in the cultural psyche. Even now, the depiction of the cow taps into collective memories, resonating with primal associations of care and sustenance. Hoefnagel's cow is not merely an animal; it's a symbol, traversing time and culture, reminding us of our enduring connection to nature.