Bokkenwagen 1736

This "Bokkenwagen," or goat cart, was crafted in the 18th century by Arnoldus van Geffen. The silver sculpture depicts a goat pulling a carriage with a driver. The goat here is no mere beast of burden. Across cultures, it's long been a symbol of vitality, virility, and untamed energy. Recall the ancient Greek satyrs, creatures embodying nature's raw, impulsive forces, often depicted with goat-like features. This potent symbolism surfaces in different guises throughout history. We see echoes in folklore where goats are associated with mischievous spirits and fertility rites. Now, consider the carriage it pulls, an emblem of transport and status. Here, the pairing seems almost paradoxical, a harnessing of primal energy for worldly conveyance. It's as if the sculptor is playing with our subconscious associations. The image thus engages us on a deeper level, evoking a dialogue between instinct and intellect, nature and culture. The goat, forever evolving, forever tethered to our deepest selves.