Landschap met koe en paard 1777

This bucolic etching, "Landschap met koe en paard," was created by Joannis Jacobus Bijlaert in the 18th century. In it, we observe a cow and a horse peacefully coexisting under the shade of a tree. Now, consider how these animals resonate through time. The cow, often a symbol of nourishment and maternal abundance, can be traced back to ancient Minoan and Egyptian cultures, where bovine figures were associated with goddesses of fertility. The horse, too, has ancient roots, linked to solar deities and heroic endeavors across various cultures. Here, the pairing of the cow and horse creates a powerful, yet serene, scene. It evokes an archetypal image of pastoral harmony. It speaks to our collective memory of simpler times, where humans and nature coexist in mutual benefit. Bijlaert taps into something primal, something that stirs deep within our subconscious. The work offers viewers a sense of tranquility. A kind of nostalgic yearning for an uncomplicated past.