The bailout 1859

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller painted this scene, sometime in the 19th century, depicting an exchange between farmers. The key motif here is the lamb itself, a potent symbol found across cultures. In Christianity, of course, the lamb represents innocence, purity, and sacrifice, deeply intertwined with the figure of Christ. But its presence extends far beyond. Think back to ancient Greece, where sheep were sacrificed to the gods, or even further, to the pastoral traditions where the lamb symbolized fertility and new beginnings. What is fascinating is how this symbol evolves. Consider how the lamb appears in medieval tapestries, symbolizing different virtues, or even in modern political cartoons, repurposed to critique power structures. The lamb is a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The non-linear, cyclical progression of this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.