Staand ram, liggende geit en twee schapen c. 1668 - 1670

Johann Heinrich Roos etched this pastoral scene of a standing ram, a reclining goat, and two sheep. The ram, with its prominent, spiraling horns, has been a potent symbol throughout history. In antiquity, the ram was associated with virility, power, and leadership, often linked to gods like Zeus-Ammon, depicted with ram's horns as a symbol of fertility and strength. Consider its echo in ancient Egyptian iconography. This symbol has been transmitted through time, evolving in significance; in Christian art, the ram can represent sacrifice, echoing the story of Abraham and Isaac. Notice how Roos captures the ram's imposing presence, an echo of primal forces. The image resonates deeply, tapping into our collective memory and subconscious understanding of power, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of life. The image becomes a cultural artifact, where echoes of ancient beliefs resonate, demonstrating how symbols evolve, adapt, and persist, engaging us across centuries.