Bok before 1650

Antonio Tempesta etched this image of a 'Bok'—or rather, a 'Dama' as it is labelled—around the turn of the 17th century. Observe this magnificent goat-like creature, standing prominently as if posing for a regal portrait. The hunters in the background seem insignificant next to this majestic animal. The goat, an ancient symbol, echoes through history, often linked to virility and abundance. Yet, there is a darker side: think of the demonization of the pagan god Pan, transforming the goat into a symbol of the diabolical. In Tempesta's rendering, the 'Dama' stands with a certain pride, almost challenging the viewer. This complex blend of reverence and fear is what stirs the subconscious. The image evokes a powerful emotional response, perhaps tapping into a collective memory of humanity's complex relationship with nature. The symbol of the goat, forever caught in this cyclical dance of reverence and fear, resurfaces, ever-changing, in the theater of history.