Liggend varken, naar links 1775 - 1833

This is a delicate drawing of a 'Liggend Varken, naar links' ('Lying Pig, to the Left') by Jean Bernard. At first glance, we see a simple domestic animal resting. But the pig, across time, has carried a rich, often contradictory, symbolism. In some ancient cultures, the pig was associated with fertility and abundance, linked to the earth's bounty. Yet, in others, particularly within certain religious traditions, it became a symbol of impurity and gluttony. Consider how the pig is portrayed in medieval allegories, often embodying vice, or its appearance in ancient myths as a sacrificial offering. The image of the pig is deeply embedded in our cultural memory, its significance evolving through centuries, shaped by societal values and religious beliefs. This humble drawing reminds us that even the simplest of subjects can be a vessel for complex cultural meanings, echoing through the corridors of time.