Liggende geit en een kip 1839 - 1872

This simple sketch by Johannes Tavenraat captures a goat and a chicken with minimalist strokes. The laying goat, its form softly defined, contrasts with the chicken's head, depicted with more deliberate lines. These animals, though rendered plainly, resonate with cultural echoes. The goat, often a symbol of virility or sacrifice, has appeared in diverse mythologies—from the Greek Pan to sacrificial roles in various traditions. The chicken, linked to vigilance and domesticity, also carries symbolic weight across cultures. The chicken's association with the dawn is notable. Notice how Tavenraat brings these figures together, prompting a deeper look into their interwoven symbolism across time. These enduring images remind us of the cyclical nature of symbols, continually reborn in art and culture, subtly influencing our understanding of the world.