Schaap, mogelijk een lam 1880 - 1882

This drawing of a sheep, possibly a lamb, was made by George Hendrik Breitner. The lamb, a symbol laden with meaning, rests peacefully, evoking a sense of innocence. The lamb appears throughout history in a multitude of contexts, most notably in Christian iconography as a symbol of purity and sacrifice. It is here that we see a powerful emotional connection: the gentle, vulnerable creature evokes feelings of tenderness, echoing the profound theme of sacrifice found in religious art. Consider the "Agnus Dei," the Lamb of God, an iconographic motif that has been passed down through history. The lamb, as a symbol, is not linear; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts. From ancient religious symbolism to Breitner’s intimate sketch, the lamb remains a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.