Liggende koe bij een boom 1635 - 1654

This etching of a cow resting by a tree was made by Paulus Potter. The recumbent cow is not merely an animal, but a symbol laden with centuries of cultural weight. In ancient times, the bull—a close relative—was revered for its virility and strength, often associated with deities and fertility rites across cultures from Minoan Crete to ancient Egypt. Over time, the image of cattle evolved, especially in pastoral scenes like this, to evoke ideas of tranquility, abundance, and a return to nature. This connects to our collective memory of an idyllic past. The restful pose of the cow, almost meditative, echoes poses found in depictions of reclining gods and nymphs from classical antiquity. Yet, here, the divine is domesticated, brought down to earth. This domestication reflects a shift in how we, as humans, relate to the natural world, viewing it as a source of comfort. This image, simple as it seems, engages our subconscious, stirring a complex interplay of emotions and memories tied to the natural world. The symbols are not static, but constantly evolving, echoing through time.