Ram en schapen in een wei 1848 - 1865

Adolf Carel Nunnink created this artwork of ram and sheep in a meadow using etching. The sheep, symbols of innocence, gentleness, and vulnerability, dominate the foreground. These emblems have deep roots in religious iconography. Consider the "Lamb of God" in Christian tradition, a symbol of sacrifice and purity, echoing through time and cultures. The act of shepherding also appears, as seen here, which evokes images of guidance, protection, and care, themes found in ancient Greek pastoral scenes. Think of the shepherd as a figure of benevolence, a guardian. These pastoral images create a sense of longing for an idealized past, a simpler existence, reflecting a deep-seated human desire for peace and harmony with nature. The recurring motif connects to our subconscious understanding of protection, care, and sacrifice. We see how symbols are never static, they evolve, resurface, and are reinterpreted across eras.