San Francisco, Study 1855 - 1856

Charles Meryon rendered this study of San Francisco with pencil on paper sometime in the mid-19th century. Notice the livestock dotting the hillside. Cattle, symbols of nourishment and prosperity, have appeared throughout art history. Consider the ancient Egyptian depictions of Hathor as a cow goddess, a source of life and abundance, and how this motif resurfaces in classical mythology with Zeus transforming Io into a heifer. The presence of these animals connects to ancient pastoral traditions, reflecting the foundational role of agriculture in society. The depiction evokes a sense of collective memory, echoing the enduring human connection to the land. This collective consciousness carries an emotional weight, reminding us of simpler times and the cyclical nature of life. Even in a seemingly simple sketch, Meryon subtly taps into our primal connection with nature, a connection that has shaped our cultural and psychological landscape through the ages.