Geiten en geitenkoppen 1849 - 1917

This sketch by Matthijs Maris features several studies of goats, rendered with delicate pencil lines. The goat, often a symbol of virility and stubbornness, has ancient roots. We find it in Greek mythology as the goat-like god Pan, embodying the wild and untamed aspects of nature. This contrasts with the Christian tradition, where the goat can symbolize the damned. Notice how the varying poses—some alert, others resting—infuse the animal with a range of emotions. Consider the horns, a recurring motif across cultures. They represent power, aggression, and the primal forces of nature. Think of the horned figures in ancient rituals, connecting humans to the animal world, tapping into deep-seated instincts and desires. In viewing these goats, are we not also peering into a mirror reflecting our own complex relationship with nature and our inner drives?