Twee liggende koeien bij een houten hek 1666

Cornelis Saftleven rendered this drawing of two resting cows by a wooden fence using pen in gray ink with gray wash. The cow, often a symbol of nourishment and gentleness, has its roots deeply embedded in ancient mythologies, from the nurturing goddess Hathor in Egypt, depicted with bovine features, to the sacred cows revered in Hinduism. Here, Saftleven's cows rest languidly. This motif of the resting animal can be traced through art history, appearing in pastoral scenes from antiquity to the Renaissance. Yet, within these peaceful depictions, we find echoes of primal anxieties, and the ever-present cycle of life and death. Consider how the image of the cow has evolved, shifting from a sacred entity to a symbol of agricultural wealth and sustenance. The act of depicting these creatures taps into our collective memory, evoking subconscious associations with nature, fertility, and the enduring connection between humanity and the animal kingdom. This humble farm scene then becomes an image that engages us on a deeper, subconscious level.