Zogend schaap met twee lammeren 1666 - 1726

This unassuming etching presents a sheep with two lambs, rendered by an anonymous hand. The symbol of the lamb, deeply rooted in the Christian tradition, represents innocence, purity, and sacrifice, and the sheep embodies gentleness and guidance. Consider, though, how the image of a sheep transcends religious contexts. It hearkens back to ancient pastoral societies where livestock were central to survival, symbolizing sustenance and community. Think of the Golden Fleece, a symbol of wealth and adventure. The protective ewe with her offspring touches upon something primal. It evokes a powerful sense of nurturing and maternal love, a universally understood motif. The composition echoes similar depictions across different times—a mother figure shielding her children, found in Renaissance paintings and ancient sculptures alike. This simple scene thus taps into our collective memory, revealing a tapestry of interconnected meanings. This is how symbols work: they endure.