White sow with piglets 

Niko Pirosmani rendered this 'White Sow with Piglets' with oil on oilcloth. A sow, luminescent in its whiteness, stands guard over her brood, a symbol deeply rooted in the human psyche. Consider the pig: across cultures, it has been a sign of abundance, fertility, and even good fortune. But it also carries a shadow, linked to gluttony and impurity. This duality is a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level. Reflect on the image of a mother and her young. From ancient fertility goddesses to Christian Madonnas, this motif speaks to the universal themes of protection, nourishment, and the cyclical nature of life. It is a primal connection, evoking intense emotional states. Pirosmani's sow, set against a stark background, is not merely a depiction of animals but a potent emblem. It is a reminder of how symbols resurface and evolve, echoing through time and culture, their meanings continuously reshaped by the collective human experience.