Study of a Bull c. 19th century

Editor: This is Rosa Bonheur's *Study of a Bull*, and the detail is incredible! What symbols do you see within this work? Curator: Consider how the bull, a potent symbol of virility and power, is softened by the pastoral setting. Does the tree's presence, a symbol of life and rootedness, amplify or contrast with the bull’s raw energy? Editor: So the setting gives the bull a dual nature. Curator: Precisely! Bonheur gives us a figure of strength, made gentle by its environment. The bull then becomes a symbol of the productive countryside, not just a symbol of masculine power. Editor: This really changes my initial perspective! Curator: Indeed. The symbols work together to create layers of meaning.