Studieblad met schapen c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen rendered this sketch of sheep with pencil, and it now resides in the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the sheep appear as simple pastoral figures. Yet, delve deeper, and these animals evoke a rich tapestry of cultural and historical symbolism. Throughout history, sheep have been potent symbols in various cultures. In ancient Greece, the Golden Fleece was the object of Jason’s quest, representing wealth, authority, and kingship. Christian iconography often depicts sheep as followers of Christ, the Good Shepherd, symbolizing guidance, protection, and the flock's collective innocence. The depiction of the sheep in this study sheet, fragmented and incomplete, invites a psychoanalytic interpretation. It is as though the artist is not just observing sheep, but grappling with the idea of shepherding, exploring the vulnerability and dependence inherent in collective identities. This sketch reminds us that symbols are never fixed but are fluid carriers of memory, continually reshaped by time, culture, and our collective psyche.