Vier koppen van bokken en schapen 1750 - 1811

Here we see four studies of goat and sheep heads, deftly rendered in ink by Barend Hendrik Thier. The ram's horns, symbols of virility and power, immediately draw the eye. These horns, spiraling outward, echo through time - from the sacrificial rams of ancient altars to the horned deities of pagan rituals. Consider the Minoan bull-leaping frescos, or the headdresses of ancient gods. These symbols resonate deeply within our collective unconscious. The ram, often associated with Aries, the god of war, reflects primal instincts and assertive energies. Observe how the artist captures the texture of the wool, the glint in the animal's eye - these details evoke empathy and a recognition of shared vulnerability. The symbol of the horns have been in a cyclical progression, resurfacing throughout history, as a powerful emblem of potency and raw vitality.