Kudde runderen en schapen 1708 - 1767

Johann Elias Ridinger created this print, "Herd of Cattle and Sheep," sometime between 1698 and 1767, using etching and engraving. During Ridinger's time, depictions of animals were often intertwined with notions of rural life, and sometimes served as allegories for social hierarchies. Think about the way the animals are arranged: the cattle, larger and more imposing, are placed prominently, while the sheep huddle together, almost as an afterthought. The scene presents a vision of pastoral life, yet it's also shaped by the power dynamics inherent in human relationships with the natural world. Consider the cultural context; animals, both then and now, often become stand-ins for human characteristics and social roles. How might these animals reflect societal values or power structures? Reflecting on these connections invites us to consider our own place within the complex tapestry of life.