Recumbent Cow Facing Left c. 1660 - 1665

This is a pencil drawing by Abraham Jansz. Begeyn portraying a recumbent cow. In agricultural societies, the cow has been a long-standing symbol of nourishment and fertility, its image rooted in the collective consciousness of humanity. The motif of the reclining animal recurs throughout art history. Think of the Egyptian depictions of the sacred Apis bull, representing virility and power. Over time, the symbol of the bull morphs, in Crete, into the Minotaur, embodying primal, instinctual forces. In Christianity, the ox becomes associated with Saint Luke, symbolizing sacrifice and service, a stark contrast to the Minotaur’s wild nature. This cow, so peacefully resting, invites us to delve into the psychological depths of our relationship with nature. The image evokes feelings of comfort, security, and a deep-seated connection to the land. Its presence serves as a reminder of the cyclical rhythm of life, death, and regeneration. The cow, in its simple form, is a cultural symbol that evokes something ancient and deeply ingrained in our collective psyche.