Plassende koe 1809

Bernard Eugène Antoine Rottiers etched this small work, "Plassende koe," or "Peeing Cow," around 1809. The animal, seen from behind, is caught in a mundane act of bovine life, but even here, symbols persist. Consider the humble cow: from ancient Egypt, where Hathor, the cow-headed goddess, symbolized motherhood and nourishment, to the biblical story of the Golden Calf, a symbol of idolatry and misplaced worship. Over time, the cow has transitioned from a sacred figure to a symbol of pastoral simplicity and agrarian life. This etching, with its intimate and unidealized portrayal, invites a deeper reflection on our relationship with nature. The act of urination, often seen as base, can also be viewed as a life-sustaining function, subtly reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence. Such everyday acts ground us, stirring subconscious connections to simpler times. The cow, caught in this unglamorous moment, prompts us to consider the layers of meaning we project onto the natural world. It's a reminder that even in the most ordinary scenes, cultural memory and emotional resonance persist, weaving through the fabric of our perceptions.