Koeien in een landschap 1788 - 1814

This drawing, made by Jan (II) Kobell, depicts cows in a landscape. The cow, a prevalent symbol across cultures, speaks to a deep-seated connection between humanity and nature. Consider how the image of the cow, a nurturing mother, resonates with ancient goddesses of fertility and abundance, like Hathor in Egypt. The posture of the resting cow in the drawing, lying on the earth, is reminiscent of the slumbering Earth Mother, a symbol of rest and renewal. This echoes in Minoan art where the bull signifies potency, linking the animal to primal life forces. The drawing evokes a feeling of pastoral tranquility, yet within this peace lies the powerful subconscious pull of symbols deeply embedded in our collective memory. The cow is not merely an animal, but a vessel carrying layers of cultural meaning across time.