Wat men niet al last van het hoornvee kan hebben c. 1843 - 1920

Hermann van der Moolen created this print, titled "Wat men niet al last van het hoornvee kan hebben", featuring scenes of people troubled by cattle. Notice how the unruly behavior of cows and bulls disrupt idyllic pastoral settings and human endeavors. Consider the image of the cow painting at an easel under an umbrella. The cow, a symbol of nature's indifference, becomes an ironic commentator on the artist's futile attempt to capture its essence. This mirrors the ancient motif of the artist struggling to capture the true form, a theme echoed in Plato's allegory of the cave. The comical situations evoke deeper anxieties about humanity's precarious position within the natural order. These symbols and gestures tap into a collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the constant negotiation between control and chaos. We see this cyclical struggle resurface, evolving, and taking on new meanings across different eras.