Loeiende os c. 1848 - 1855

Jacobus Cornelis Gaal created this etching of a ‘Loeiende os’ or ‘Bellowing Ox’. Gaal, working in the Netherlands during the early to mid-19th century, lived in a society where agriculture was a central part of life. We see the ox from a side view, the lines of the etching creating texture and depth to the animal’s fur. The focused depiction serves not only as a study of the animal's anatomy but also provides a window into the cultural values of the time, which greatly depended on animal labor and produce. It’s hard not to consider the animal's silent bellow, and the symbolism of its subjugated position within a human-centric world. Gaal’s piece invites us to reflect on the power dynamics between humans and animals, and the shifting perspectives on labor, identity, and existence that continue to challenge us today.