Ram shows fallen pole to animal assembly c. 17th century

Editor: This is Allart van Everdingen's etching, "Ram shows fallen pole to animal assembly." It feels like a fable, with all these animals gathered. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: The fallen pole, centrally positioned, speaks volumes. Poles often represent authority or societal structure. Its collapse here, witnessed by the animal kingdom, might symbolize a failing order. What emotional weight do you think the fox carries, sitting prominently in the foreground? Editor: Perhaps cunning or deception? So, the fallen pole and fox together could suggest a warning about corruption within leadership? Curator: Precisely! The collective animal gaze amplifies the fallen pole’s significance, embedding its cultural memory. Symbols evolve, but their emotional roots often linger. Editor: I see now how this little scene can contain so much meaning! Curator: Indeed!