Ramskop 1809 - 1850

This small drawing, Ramskop, presents us with the head of a ram, its horns curling majestically around its face. The ram, an ancient symbol, resonates through cultures as a sign of virility, determination, and leadership. Consider the ram-headed deity Khnum from ancient Egypt, a creator god fashioned humans on a potter's wheel. Or, closer to our time, the Golden Fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts, a quest that embodies courage and the drive to overcome obstacles. The striking presence of the ram's head can trigger subconscious responses; its forceful horns and piercing gaze might evoke feelings of power, aggression, and primal energy. The motif taps into the collective memory of humanity and is a visceral connection to the deep wellsprings of our shared cultural past. The symbol of the ram does not follow a straight line through history, but rather moves in a cyclical, non-linear fashion. It reappears in different contexts, shaped by the prevailing cultural and psychological forces of the time, each iteration carrying echoes of its earlier meanings.