Boer tussen twee koeien bij een ruif in een stal (kleine variant) 1860 - 1894

This small etching by Jan Vrolijk depicts a farmer with two cows in a stable. The humble scene evokes the primal connection between man and animal, where the cow, a symbol of nourishment and life, stands prominently. The motif of cattle has been central to human civilization since ancient times, linked to fertility, sustenance, and prosperity. One can trace this veneration back to ancient Egypt, where the cow goddess Hathor was worshipped. The psychological resonance of the cow persists, embodying notions of motherhood and abundance. The image taps into collective memories of agrarian life, when the rhythm of existence was deeply intertwined with the land and its creatures. However, in our industrialized world, the sacred bond has been strained. The cow, once a symbol of life, is now often reduced to a mere commodity, a disquieting shift that provokes deep-seated anxieties about our relationship with nature. This cyclical transformation of symbols prompts us to reflect on how our cultural narratives evolve, sometimes distorting, sometimes reviving, yet always carrying the weight of history.