Bok en schapen in landschap 1833 - 1863

This landscape with sheep and goats was made by Adolf Carel Nunnink, likely in the mid-19th century. It presents a pastoral scene, seemingly simple, yet rich with symbolism. The sheep, often associated with gentleness and innocence, evoke Christian iconography, reminiscent of Christ as the Good Shepherd, a motif stretching back to early Christian art and the catacombs. But consider also the goat, a creature of different symbolic weight, often linked to more earthly, even darker forces. This juxtaposition brings to mind the allegorical separation of the sheep and the goats, representing the division between the saved and the damned. These animals grazing peacefully carry echoes of ancient sacrificial rites, resurfacing through collective memory. Here, the landscape itself becomes a stage where these age-old themes play out, engaging the viewer's subconscious. The image is not just a peaceful scene, but a deep dive into the cultural memory, revealing how symbols persist, transform, and continue to affect our perceptions.