Kop van een wolf 1840 - 1880

This sketch of a wolf's head was drawn by Johannes Tavenraat in the 19th century. The wolf, captured here with snarling teeth and piercing eyes, embodies raw instinct and untamed wilderness, its image echoing through centuries of human imagination. Consider the wolf in ancient Rome, where it symbolized both ferocious danger and maternal care, as seen in the myth of Romulus and Remus, suckled by a she-wolf. This duality—ferocity and nurturing—highlights the complex emotional responses the animal evokes. Through time, this potent symbol has appeared in countless forms, from the monstrous wolf of fairy tales to the noble protector. Reflect on how the primal fear and respect for the wolf taps into our collective subconscious, a reminder of the untamed aspects of nature and ourselves. In the modern era, as wilderness diminishes, this creature serves as a poignant symbol for our own lost connection to the wild. As civilizations evolve, so too do our symbols, constantly adapting and reflecting humanity’s ever-changing relationship with the natural world.