Schaap en twee lammeren in een stal 1894

Frans Lebret's etching presents a sheep and two lambs nestled within a stable, evoking potent symbols deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. The sheep, gentle and docile, has long been a symbol of innocence, purity, and sacrifice across cultures. In Christianity, the lamb is a central symbol, representing Christ's sacrifice and the faithful as His flock. Here, the serene depiction invites reflection on themes of vulnerability, protection, and the nurturing bond between mother and offspring. This echoes in ancient Greek art, where the ram symbolized fertility and divine power, linked to gods like Hermes. The shift from a symbol of strength to one of meekness shows the symbol's adaptability, shaped by evolving cultural values and religious narratives. Perhaps Lebret, consciously or subconsciously, tapped into this rich history.