De maand november, slachttijd, ca. 1600 Possibly 1600 - 1675

This image, "The Month of November, Slaughter Time," created around 1600 by an anonymous artist, etched with the phrase "slaughter time" is rich in symbolism. At its core, the act of slaughter is presented. A suspended pig carcass dominates the scene, a stark reminder of mortality and the cycle of life. This motif is not isolated; echoes resonate through time, like the sacrificial animals of ancient rituals. The transformation of the pig into sustenance mirrors humanity's complex relationship with nature. The pig, throughout history, appears as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and even greed. Here, its butchering might subliminally evoke feelings of sacrifice and the harsh realities of winter sustenance. This primal scene engages our deepest, subconscious recognition of life, death, and survival. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of existence, resurfacing through time and culture.