Liggende stier, naar rechts 1821 - 1890

Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen created this drawing of a resting ox with graphite. Here, we see the animal lying down, embodying a sense of calm. The ox has been a symbol of patience and strength through the ages, a motif that stretches back to ancient times, appearing even in cave paintings, representing the untamed power of nature. Across cultures, from the bull of ancient Crete to the sacred cows of India, the ox has been a recurring figure. This symbolism has been passed down, continually adapting. In Christianity, the ox is associated with Saint Luke, embodying sacrifice and service. Consider how this image might tap into our collective memory, stirring something deep within us—perhaps a subconscious connection to our agrarian past, to the rhythms of nature, or even to the primal forces embodied by this powerful yet docile creature. The symbol of the ox echoes through history, each time carrying new layers of meaning while also retaining echoes of its ancient significance.