Zittende man en soldaten met varkens 1873

This drawing by George Hendrik Breitner, housed at the Rijksmuseum, presents a fascinating interplay of men, soldiers and animals, rendered with delicate pencil strokes. The image of pigs evokes ancient symbols of fertility and abundance, often linked to earthly desires. Notice how the soldiers herd the animals, a dynamic seen throughout history in scenes of conquest and domestication. This herding resonates with the psychological interplay between control and instinct. The motif of herding appears in the art of ancient Greece and Rome, where animals are led, often as offerings or symbols of power. Think of Europa and the bull. Through the ages, this symbol has resurfaced, reflecting humanity's complex relationship with nature and our deep-seated drives. This image is a testament to our collective memory.