April 1635 - 1694

Dirck de Bray created this small artwork, "April," using etching. The dominant image here is that of a winged figure guiding a bull, a motif rich with historical echoes. The winged figure recalls the ancient god Eros or Cupid, suggesting themes of love and desire which, in the Renaissance, symbolized the awakening of spring and the burgeoning life of nature. Consider the classical image of Europa and the bull. This recalls the tale of Zeus transforming into a bull to abduct Europa, symbolizing desire and transformation. Here, the Cupid-like figure seems to be taming the animal, channeling its wildness and strength towards a particular end. The presence of crosses on the landscape adds another layer, perhaps hinting at Christian themes of sacrifice. Like motifs circulating through time, the bull carries layers of meaning—fertility, power, and even sacrifice. These images resonate with the primal forces embedded in our collective memory, continuously shaped by our fears, hopes, and desires.