Gevlekte os 1639 - 1677

This is Paulus Potter’s etching of a spotted ox, a simple scene made in the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. The ox, a symbol of pastoral life, looms large, its presence both mundane and monumental. But consider the ox beyond its immediate context. Across millennia, the ox—or bull—has been a potent symbol. From the Minoan bull-leaping rituals to the Egyptian Apis bull, it represents strength, fertility, and divine power. Even in Christianity, the ox appears as a symbol of sacrifice and patient endurance, often associated with Saint Luke. The persistence of the bovine image reveals our deep-seated fascination with its raw power, which has echoed through cultural memory, resurfacing in various guises. This seemingly simple etching connects to ancient rites and reflects humanity’s continuous negotiation with nature, power, and spirituality. The image of the ox is not static, but a dynamic vessel of meaning, constantly evolving.