Stier before 1650

This is Antonio Tempesta's "Stier," an engraving made sometime between 1570 and 1630, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Tempesta was working in Italy during a time when the Medici family had consolidated power, and the Catholic Church was still reeling from the Reformation. During this period, artists often turned to classical and mythological themes, reflecting a renewed interest in ancient cultures and using allegory to negotiate religious and political tensions. Here, the zodiac sign Taurus is depicted in the form of a robust bull, rendered with close attention to its muscular anatomy. The bull, in its powerful masculinity, becomes a symbolic representation of strength and virility, qualities often associated with those in positions of power. The intricate detail of the engraving invites us to consider the intersection of nature, symbolism, and human identity. What does it mean to align ourselves with these archetypal images, and how do these associations shape our understanding of the world and our place within it?