Acorn King: A Man Astride a Cow 1712 - 1730

Johannes Brandenberg created this detailed pen and brown ink drawing, "Acorn King: A Man Astride a Cow," most likely in the late 17th or early 18th century. The composition, within a small rectangular format, is dominated by the figures of a well-dressed man riding a cow. Brandenberg’s drawing employs line and form to create a playful and satirical scene. The lines are delicate yet precise, defining the textures of the man's coat and the cow's hide. The subject is unusual, perhaps destabilizing the established meaning of nobility by placing a 'king' on such a humble animal. The inclusion of a coat of arms featuring an acorn hints at a symbolic game, perhaps critiquing social structures or class pretensions. The drawing uses its whimsical imagery to question fixed meanings, inviting viewers to interpret its cultural codes. This piece functions not just aesthetically, but also as a cultural commentary, engaging with social and philosophical discourse.