Dimensions: height 310 mm, width 350 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is an undated print by Jan van Lee, employing the technique of woodcut and letterpress. Animals are featured within separate boxes, including a horse, cow, camel, and goat; each paired with a moralizing verse. The camel is described as "able to bear loads," while humans are encouraged to learn to bear the cross. In a time when printed images were becoming more accessible to a wider audience, works like this served as a form of popular education, conveying social and religious values. The images offer a glimpse into the relationship between humans and animals. The verses and depictions emphasize the roles of animals in labor and agriculture, reflecting a world where these creatures were integral to daily life. The emotional weight of the artwork lies in its call to empathy and understanding, inviting viewers to recognize themselves in the animals depicted. Ultimately, this print embodies a blend of social instruction and emotional connection, offering a glimpse into the ways in which art shapes and reflects societal values, while resonating with personal human experience.
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