Woodblock for The Urus or Wild Bull, from A General History of Quadrupeds c. 1790

This is Thomas Bewick's woodblock for "The Urus or Wild Bull" from "A General History of Quadrupeds". The urus, an extinct wild ox, strides powerfully across the block, a symbol of primal strength and untamed nature. The bull motif is deeply embedded in our collective psyche, resonating across cultures and epochs. Consider the Cretan Bull, a figure of mythic power, or the bullfights of Spain, where the animal embodies both nobility and tragedy. Even the celestial Taurus, a constellation revered since ancient times, echoes this enduring fascination. Notice the urus's muscular form, a visceral representation of virility and dominance. This image taps into our primal instincts, evoking a sense of awe and perhaps even fear. The bull's symbolism has evolved, yet its potency remains, a testament to the enduring power of archetypes in our cultural memory. The image reminds us that symbols are not static; they resurface, evolve, and acquire new layers of meaning.