City of Refuge 1888

James Fagan etched this "City of Refuge," showing a herd of deer in a landscape, sometime around the turn of the 20th century. The deer, an age-old symbol, transcends cultures. Often associated with the hunt, the deer's symbolic meaning shifts dramatically when viewed in this peaceful state. Here, the animals stand placidly, the forest behind them conveying tranquility, forming a safe haven in nature. We can see traces of this symbolism in older mythologies: Consider the Greek Artemis, goddess of the hunt, who was often depicted with a deer, yet who also protected the animals of the forest. In medieval tapestries, the deer embodies purity. The collective human psyche recognizes the deer as a link between the hunt and our subconscious desire for peace, a powerful interplay that engages our emotions. This image is a testament to how symbols persist, evolve, and resurface, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with the natural world.