Farmhouse in Bavaria 1884

Georgios Jakobides painted this 'Farmhouse in Bavaria' with oil, capturing a pastoral scene dominated by the architectural structure of a traditional farmhouse, its roof a striking feature against the landscape. Consider the humble goose, here pecking at the ground. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, the goose appears as a symbol of vigilance and domesticity. In ancient Rome, geese were sacred to Juno, the protector goddess, and were believed to have saved Rome with their honking, warning of an invasion. The reappearance of the goose throughout art history reminds us of the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols. Their meaning has evolved, yet their connection to themes of watchfulness, protection, and even the mundane aspects of daily life, persists through the ages. The image connects us to the most basic scenes of human life, to the psychological comfort of the familiar.