Liggende ram 1830 - 1909

Here we have 'Liggende ram', an etching by Frans Lebret. Born in the Netherlands in 1820, Lebret lived through a period of significant social and economic change, witnessing the shift from agrarian societies to more industrialized nations. At first glance, this image is a simple portrayal of a resting ram. But consider the cultural context: during Lebret’s time, rural life was often romanticized, serving as a nostalgic counterpoint to the rise of urban centers. The ram, a symbol of virility and strength, is here captured in a moment of repose. There is something very tender about the depiction of this animal. Is Lebret offering a commentary on the changing relationship between humans and nature? Or perhaps reflecting on the inherent dignity of labor through the image of an animal at rest? The ram, lying still, invites us to ponder the quiet moments of existence, the dignity found in both work and rest, and perhaps a longing for a simpler, pastoral existence.