Paard en een kip bij een voerbak 1884

This etching by Frans Lauwers presents us with a horse and a chicken sharing a feeding trough. The horse, a symbol of strength and virility, stands juxtaposed with the humble chicken. Consider how the horse appears in classical equestrian statues, emblems of power and control, yet here it is reduced to a shared space with a common fowl. Similarly, the chicken, often linked to domesticity and simplicity, mirrors our own primal connection to the earth, reminding us of life's basic needs. This juxtaposition speaks volumes about the leveling forces of nature. Such imagery echoes in folklore and heraldry across cultures, where animals embody human traits and societal values. Over time, these symbols evolve, their meanings shaped by the collective unconscious, reflecting our ongoing dialogue with the natural world. We witness this non-linear progression through history, where symbols resurface, transformed yet retaining echoes of their past, each iteration a testament to our enduring, subconscious engagement with the world.