Twee schapen c. 1750 - 1800

This work by G. van Citters depicts two sheep rendered with fine lines in an etching. The sheep, symbols of innocence and pastoral life, have been laden with meaning throughout history. Consider the "Agnus Dei," the Lamb of God in Christian iconography, a motif that reemerges in various forms across centuries. In earlier works, the lamb embodies purity and sacrifice. Yet here, these sheep graze peacefully, far removed from explicit religious symbolism. The image evokes a sense of calm, but the presence of such a loaded symbol cannot be dismissed. The collective subconscious memory associates sheep with vulnerability and gentleness, qualities that evoke empathy. The evolution of the sheep motif mirrors our evolving relationship with nature and faith, a reminder of the powerful, enduring impact of symbols across time.