Rivierlandschap met koeien Possibly 1650 - 1727

This etched riverscape with cows is housed in the Rijksmuseum and attributed to an anonymous artist. The pastoral scene centers around potent symbols, offering a glimpse into the collective consciousness of the time. Cattle, often associated with fertility and abundance, stand atop a precipice overlooking a tranquil river. This imagery harkens back to ancient agrarian societies, where livestock represented wealth and prosperity. Yet, the river itself—a symbol of constant change and the passage of time—introduces a dynamic tension. Consider the recurring motif of the 'fluvial deity', commonly found in ancient Roman art, where rivers are personified as gods. This notion embodies both the life-giving and destructive powers of nature, subtly present here. The image resonates with a primal human connection to the earth, a silent acknowledgment of nature's enduring power. This visual language, so deeply embedded in our collective memory, touches us on a subconscious level, stirring ancestral memories of survival, dependence, and awe.