Twee vechtende rammen 1892 - 1940

Henri Verstijnen rendered these fighting rams in pen and ink, capturing a primal confrontation. The dominant visual symbols are the two rams locked in combat, horns crashing, a display of raw power and aggression. This motif of battling creatures echoes through art history; from ancient friezes depicting animal combat in Mesopotamia to similar scenes in Greek and Roman art, the motif symbolizes conflict and dominance. Consider the ram's horns, often associated with virility, strength, and leadership across cultures. They appear in ancient Egyptian depictions of the god Khnum, associated with fertility and creation, yet also symbolize aggressive power. The clash of horns is a potent image, stirring something deep within us. It engages viewers on a subconscious level by tapping into primal instincts and the collective memory of struggle and survival. This symbol of conflict is non-linear; it resurfaces in our modern imagination in new forms, evolving, and taking on new meanings.