Lysthavere til koen 1867 - 1869

This drawing, "Lysthavere til koen", was created by Wilhelm Marstrand in the 19th century using pen and ink. The central figure here is the cow itself, surrounded by onlookers, each representing different social classes and interests. The cow, a symbol of fertility and nourishment, has been revered across cultures, from ancient Egypt to modern-day India, embodying prosperity and life. Notice how the figures gather around the animal. This act of witnessing reflects a communal dependence on the cow’s life-sustaining properties. This scene echoes ancient rituals where animals were central to community well-being. The gathering itself evokes the cyclical nature of life and sustenance—a primal scene of dependency. Consider how our relationship with animals has evolved. From sacred symbols to commodities, the cow's shifting role mirrors our own cultural and economic transformations. It remains, however, deeply embedded in our collective memory, triggering subconscious associations with nurture, survival, and the primal connection between humans and nature.