Schaap 1762 - 1804

This is Barent de Bakker's etching, depicting a sheep, residing in the Rijksmuseum. The sheep, centrally positioned, carries a rich symbolic weight. Historically, sheep have been potent symbols of innocence, purity, and sacrifice, deeply rooted in religious iconography. Consider the Lamb of God in Christian art, an emblem of Christ’s sacrifice. Interestingly, the sheep motif predates Christianity, finding resonance in ancient pagan rituals as a symbol of fertility and abundance. Throughout time, this symbol has undergone a fascinating metamorphosis. Initially a pagan symbol, it was later adopted and adapted by Christianity, reflecting a universal human need to imbue the natural world with spiritual meaning. In this etching, the sheep stands quietly, evoking a sense of vulnerability and calm. This image appeals to something primal within us, sparking both our cultural memory and our subconscious understanding. The recurring symbol of the sheep transcends time, evolving and adapting, yet eternally resonating with our collective consciousness.