Schapen, mogelijk in een schaapskooi c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen sketched these sheep, possibly in a sheep pen, using graphite. The humble sheep, seemingly simple, carries profound weight. Throughout history, it appears as a symbol of innocence, purity, and sacrifice, deeply rooted in religious and cultural narratives. Consider the "Lamb of God" motif, echoing through Christian art and theology. The sheep embodies gentleness and vulnerability but also a potent symbol of divine love and redemption. Yet, in other contexts, the flock represents community, guidance, and the following of a leader. In antiquity, one can see similar animalistic symbolism, but in varied applications. Its symbolic meaning is not fixed; it transforms and adapts, resonating with different cultures and epochs. The cyclical journey of this humble creature through our collective consciousness highlights the enduring power of symbols, constantly resurfacing in our art and thought.