Cows in a River 

Aelbert Cuyp’s painting captures cows standing in a river, an idyllic scene bathed in golden light. The cow, a symbol of pastoral life, has ancient roots in many cultures. From the sacred cows of India, representing abundance and non-violence, to the mythical cow Auðumbla in Norse cosmology, whose milk nourished the giant Ymir, this animal appears as a motif of sustenance and creation across time. Think also of Pasiphae and the bronze cow she uses to seduce the Cretan bull. In the Netherlands of Cuyp's time, cows were a direct measure of wealth and prosperity, reflecting the nation's agricultural prowess. This everyday scene then takes on a deeper significance, embodying a collective memory of pastoral harmony. Perhaps, subconsciously, Cuyp evokes not just a landscape, but a dream of tranquil, fertile abundance that has resonated with humanity for millennia. This imagery triggers an emotional sense of peace and plenty, inviting us to contemplate the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of simple, natural imagery.