Studie, mogelijk van een koe 1884 - 1886

This is a study, perhaps of a cow, captured by George Hendrik Breitner with simple strokes. The lines, though minimal, evoke a sense of form and movement, connecting the artist to his subject. Notice the chair-like form. One might find echoes of such seated figures in various contexts, from religious icons to portraiture. Consider the seated Buddha, a symbol of enlightenment, or the many representations of rulers upon their thrones, signifying power and authority. Each instance, like Breitner's cow, carries its own historical and cultural weight. The cow, a symbol of nourishment and sacrifice, recurs in ancient mythologies, such as the Egyptian goddess Hathor, embodying motherhood and abundance. Breitner's drawing, while simple, taps into this deep well of imagery, inviting us to ponder the evolving significance of such archetypes across time. It reminds us that images are not static; they shift and transform, carrying layers of meaning from one era to the next.