Eekhoorn before 1650

Antonio Tempesta etched this image of a squirrel in the late 16th or early 17th century. At first glance, we see a simple depiction of nature, but let us delve deeper into the symbolic weight of this creature. The squirrel, with its hoarding behavior, has often been associated with thrift and prudence. Yet, paradoxically, it can also symbolize anxiety, reflecting our primal urges connected to self-preservation. This duality mirrors the complexities of human nature, where virtues and anxieties intertwine. Interestingly, the act of holding and consuming a nut is not unique to this image. This echoes across centuries—consider ancient fertility symbols, where seeds and nuts represent life's potential, or even Christian iconography, where they symbolize spiritual nourishment. The squirrel, then, becomes a vessel, carrying these age-old associations, reminding us that survival and prosperity are enduring human concerns. The emotions evoked by the squirrel in this print are a primal scream of the human condition. This engraving becomes more than just an animal study; it connects us to a collective memory, where survival, prosperity, and anxiety resonate through time.