Ram en ooien 1610 - 1653

Simon de Vlieger created this etching titled ‘Ram en ooien’—or ‘Ram and ewes’—in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age. This was a time when the Netherlands flourished in trade, science, and the arts, with many artists focusing on genre painting and landscape art that captured the spirit of the nation. De Vlieger, known for his seascapes, here offers us a pastoral scene, quietly depicting livestock in a field. Look closely and consider the relationship between the animals. How might this image reflect the values and social structures of the time? Perhaps it symbolizes fertility and prosperity, or maybe it touches upon themes of domesticity. De Vlieger’s choice to depict these animals invites us to contemplate our connection to the natural world, and how we assign meaning and value to different forms of life. It asks us to reflect on the everyday, and the significance of simplicity.