The Buck, Two Goats, and Three Sheep c. 17th century

Editor: Pieter van Laer’s etching, "The Buck, Two Goats, and Three Sheep," is quite charming. The animals appear to be relaxing under a tree with a shepherdess. What symbols or deeper meanings do you see in this piece? Curator: This seemingly simple pastoral scene carries centuries of cultural baggage. The animals themselves are potent symbols. Goats, for instance, can represent virility, but also stubbornness or even the demonic. Sheep often signify innocence and piety. Editor: So, the artist is playing with our preconceived notions? Curator: Precisely! And the shepherdess, is she a symbol of simple virtue, or something more complex? Think about the weight these images carried in the 17th century. Editor: It’s fascinating how much meaning can be packed into a seemingly quiet scene. I’ll never look at a goat the same way!