De bekranste os 1848 - 1881

This curious lithograph, titled 'The Crowned Ox,' was created by Lutkie & Cranenburg, and presents us with more than just a decorated animal. The ox, adorned with garlands, is an ancient symbol of nourishment but also sacrifice. The garlands speak of honoring the animal, yet the accompanying text hints at its imminent fate. The image evokes the ancient Roman tradition of adorning animals before sacrifice, a ritual meant to appease the gods. The motif of the garlanded animal appears across cultures, from ancient Greece to India, where cows are sacred and often decorated for festivals. This image stirs deep-seated emotions and cultural memories linked to sacrifice, gratitude, and the cyclical nature of life. A potent reminder of how symbols evolve, yet retain their emotional core across time.