Liggende koe in een landschap met bebouwing 1666

This drawing of a resting cow in a landscape was made by Cornelis Saftleven in the 17th century. The cow, a symbol of fertility and nourishment, embodies pastoral ideals deeply rooted in the cultural consciousness. Consider the ancient Minoan bull-leaping rituals, where the bull symbolized raw power, and the later Greek myth of Europa and the bull, which blends animalistic strength with divine allure. This motif appears repeatedly, from cave paintings to Renaissance pastoral scenes. The cow's gentle repose here evokes a sense of idyllic calm. However, it's also a symbol of the untamed, the potent life force underlying civilization. This symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, engaging our subconscious on a profound level across time.