Broedermoord of varkensstrijd te Alphen, ca. 1687 1687

This print, made around 1687 by an anonymous artist, presents us with a scene dominated by the chaotic struggle between men and swine. The banner above, proclaiming "Broedermoord," or fratricide, immediately casts a shadow over the entire tableau, suggesting betrayal and violence among brethren. Here, the pig is more than just an animal, it is a symbol, and one heavy with historical baggage. In ancient cultures, the pig could represent both fertility and base instincts. In Christian iconography, it often symbolizes greed, lust, and the unclean. Think of the pig’s recurring presence in medieval morality plays, embodying the sins of the flesh. Notice how the image stirs a sense of primal fear. The emotional and psychological weight it carries engages us on a subconscious level, echoing through time. This symbol transcends its immediate context, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.