Rustende koe aan den kant van het water 1798 - 1837

Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar etched this small plate of a resting cow by the water. The cow, a symbol of nature's bounty and pastoral life, evokes a sense of tranquility. This symbolism has ancient roots, appearing in various forms across cultures – from the Egyptian goddess Hathor, often depicted as a cow, to the sacred status of cows in Hinduism. The presence of the cow in art often signifies not just agrarian life but a deeper connection to the earth and its life-sustaining properties. In comparison, think of the Greek myth of Europa, where Zeus transforms into a bull to abduct the princess. Here, the animal embodies divine power, an echo of ancient pagan beliefs where animal forms were associated with deities and natural forces. Consider how this enduring motif reappears throughout history, shifting in meaning yet retaining its powerful connection to our subconscious.