Pig art contains rich symbolism and a fascinating history that is reflected in the various expressions of the painting. These beautiful and at the same time mysterious creatures are associated not only with images on canvas, but also with cultural symbols intertwined with historical vicissitudes. Let's dive into the world of art, where pigs become not only objects of depiction, but also multifaceted symbols that transport us across time and cultures.
Pigs in art: From antiquity to the Middle Ages
"Pigs are extremely interesting subjects to paint. They have that wonderful mixture of calm and expressiveness that inspires my brushes." - Arthur Hughes
In ancient times, the pig, especially the sow, played a role as a link to the Great Goddess, dating back to at least the 7th millennium BC. Her huge number of nipples and the size of her brood were associated with fertility, fertility and fertility, making her a symbol of these concepts. In cultures ranging from Mesopotamia to Scandinavia to the Celts, pigs were sacrificed to the Mother Goddess. In other parts of the world, deities such as the ancient Egyptian Nut and the Celtic Ceridwen were considered heirs of the Great Goddess.
This symbolism was passed down from generation to generation, remaining in the culture of Egypt and Syria, where pork was eaten only on ceremonial occasions. The Jews and early pagan Jews considered the pig an unclean animal, and Muslims have the same point of view. Semitic peoples probably regarded the boar as unclean, perhaps due to its sacred origins.
Symbolically, the boar embodies strength, courage and unbridled aggression. It occupies a central place in the mythology and folklore of many countries, from India to Iceland, passed down through the centuries. The connection between fertility symbolism and the image of death and destruction stems from the ambiguous nature of the Great Goddess, whose symbol is the boar. This ambivalence characterizes the ancient Near East, where the boar was a symbol of both fertility and death. In the myth about the Sumerian god of vegetation Dumuzi, killed by a boar, we see analogies with the later myths about the Phrygian Attis and the Greek Adonis. Thus, the boar, associated with winter, becomes a symbol of victory over the solar gods, a harbinger of spring and the triumph of Adonis over the cold of winter.
Egypt
A land where the pig occupied a central place in mythology with an ambivalence worthy of an intriguing tale. The sinister, pig-like god Set became the source of ancient Egyptian drama by killing the god of life and vegetation, Osiris. This dark episode gave pork special significance, linking it with the god Set and creating a taboo during the ritual festivals of Horus.
Yet, in this world of duality, the holy pig found its place in worship. In Heliopolis, Isis was considered a sow, which gave the pig a new context. Pigs became the object of sacrifice at lunar festivals, while the image of a sow with piglets became a popular amulet. This amulet, aimed at supporting pregnancy, brought an element of mystery and magic to the lives of the ancient Egyptians.
Far from the dark twists and turns of mythology, the sky goddess Nut adds a new layer of mystery. Sometimes depicted as a sow nursing piglets - in this case, stars. This symbolic reincarnation introduces elements of magic and mystery into the concept of the goddess, the patroness of heaven, giving her an unexpected but fascinating aspect. Thus, the connection between the pig and Egyptian mythology turns out to be an endless source of interesting stories and mystical experiences.
Antiquity
In the whirlwind of ancient Greek myth, drama blossoms, where wild pigs, like nightmares come to life, cry out to heroes fighting for their fate.
Let's start with the Calydonian hunt, where the mighty Meleager leaves his mark on the legendary Calydonian boar. This majestic beast fell victim to the arrows of Meleager, who embodied strength and courage in the fight against incessant horror.
No less impressive is the story of the Erymanthian boar, which stood in the way of Hercules in his fourth labor. Myths are woven where pigs become living symbols of struggle and personal trials.
The mysterious Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, does not leave pigs alone, directing them as a weapon at her enemies, especially the Calydonian boar. In this web of myths, the great gods used pigs as tools in their struggles and mysterious plans.
But pigs not only served as living swords in the battles of gods and heroes. Elsewhere in mythology, the sorceress Circe weaved spells to turn men into pigs, adding new layers of mystery and danger to the world of myth.
Secret rites and sacrifices in the light of the Eleusinian mysteries paint a painting of mystical worship, where pigs become a symbol of veneration of the Sun, and the pig is a sign of initiation into unknown mysteries.
The majesty and ferocity of boars was perhaps reflected in art and crafts, where helmets and shields were decorated with images of wild boars. The boar-headed helmet, symbol of Ares, emphasizes this connection between war and the wild energy of boars, embodied in the myth of the mortal fight with Adonis.
Thus, ancient Greek myths reveal a fascinating world where pigs become living metaphors for powerful forces that meet heroes in their uncompromising exploits and mystical adventures.
Middle Ages
The ancient Middle Ages, an era where the magic and symbolism of boars shrouded every corner of life. In the world of Celtic myths, the goddess Ceridwen danced in close association with a pig, which granted her mysterious powers. Manannan, with courage, brought his miraculous pigs, a herd that was magically reborn solely to symbolize fertility.
As pigs became translators between worlds for the Celts, their meat became taboo at religious festivals, creating a mysterious aura of prohibition around them. Roasting a pig with an apple in its mouth at Christmas is a legacy of pagan sacrifices, adding magic and mystery to Yule celebrations.
There is a whole gallery of boars in Scandinavian mythology:
- Gullinbursti - on it Frey arrives at Balder's funeral.
- Sehrimnir - Killed and eaten every day by fallen heroes in Valhalla.
- Hildisvini is the boar of the goddess Freya, who herself has the nickname "Sow".
- Boars, representing the souls of the dead, accompany the storm clouds during Odin's wild hunt.
In some versions of the myth, Frey, the god of fertility, was killed by a boar, so the animal is presented to him annually at Yule.
Stories about ferocious boars are mixed with myths and rituals, where their image becomes a symbol of strength and protection. The Celts saw the boar not only as a military mascot, but also as a spiritual embodiment that confronted spiritual and mental challenges.
Boar helmets discovered at Sutton Hoo reveal the protective power of this beast used in the British Isles. Boar heads become emblems on shields and standards, as well as symbols of health, power and good luck. Even tavern names such as "Boar's head," carry on pre-Christian traditions where animal heads were seen as omens.
Thus, medieval myths weave amazing stories into our history, where boars become not only symbols of nature and power, but also guardians of spiritual secrets and mysterious customs.
Pigs in painting: Symbols that come to life on canvas
"In each pig I see a separate world, full of personality and character. They become not only objects, but also heroes in my works of art." - Emily Davison
So, let's move on to painting. Many famous artists depicted piggies on their canvases.
Thus, in the light of medieval painting, the pig turns into a multifaceted creation, bearing secret messages and symbolism. In Christian art, it becomes an ambivalent symbol, reflecting both greed and lust, and the personification of debauchery. Let us notice it on the canvases, where it is trampled upon by personified Chastity, as if calling for discipline and order. In human sins, she becomes the main actor, associating herself with gluttony and laziness, as if demonstrating the indignation of her imposing appearance.
The great Medieval painting known as the Psalms of David brings us the image of a boar tearing down the vines of the Lord. This symbolic act, where the boar appears in the role of the destroyer, is often associated with the Beast of the Apocalypse, sometimes suggesting its role in the Antichrist.
In the strange world of medieval bestiaries, boars become unexplored mysteries of nature. Their lack of fear of death and the natural shield of hard flesh on their side create striking images of medieval battles. Even when wounded, the boar, according to legend, carries a frantic aggression, attacking hunters with sharp fangs, becoming the rebellious spirit of the wild.
Faithful companion of the Prodigal Son, the herd of pigs finds its role in theology. Pigs become an integral part of religious rituals, giving them deep symbolic meanings. However, among all, the pig accompanying Saint Anthony the Great stands out for its positive connotations. The Antonian monks, doctors from the Antonian fire, raised pigs, and bells hung on the necks of their working companions, which became the embodiment of not only healing practice, but also secret rituals. The pigs of this order became not only inhabitants of special lands, but also owners of a bell, which announced the sacred mission of pigs in medieval art.
Albrecht Durer, "The Prodigal Son Feeding with Pigs", 1498
The engraving by Albrecht Durer shows the famous gospel story based on the parable of a young man who squandered the money his father gave him and, as a result, found himself in a beggarly position. The master depicted a typical German setting of a peasant courtyard at the end of the 15th century, where pigs graze, and next to them a young man who has descended to a state unworthy of a person. The engraving was perceived as relevant, since the biblical hero was turned into a contemporary of the artist. It is believed that Dürer was inspired by Sebastian Brant's poem, published in 1495 in Basel.
Based on the works of Dürer, breeders were able to breed the domestic pig of the Middle Ages from the modern breed of so-called blind pigs (Blindschweinen).
Lucas Cranach the Elder, "Black Boar Running to the Left"
It is assumed that wild boars, spectacular masters of the forest thickets, became an integral part of the artistic heritage of Lucas Cranach the Elder. This great Renaissance artist is believed to have planned to create amazing paintings that would show the royal boar hunt in all its majestic glory.
The imagination of Lucas Cranach the Elder, awakened by wide landscapes and majestic expanses of forest, was to be filled with the dynamics of the royal hunt. These sketches, as forerunners of future works, could become the starting point for the creation of canvases in which viewers could notice the majestic royal hunting expeditions, inscribed in endless forests, where wild boars became the central figures of these breathtaking scenes.
Lucas Cranach the Elder, by bringing his virtuoso technique and inspiration to life in these supposed paintings, might have given us a unique perspective on nature, its majesty and interaction with man. This great artist would fuse Renaissance characteristics, meticulously crafted details, and a deep understanding of nature to create paintings that were not only a reflection of the royal hunt, but also art that transported viewers to the magical world of an era of history and art.
Thomas Gainsborough, "Girl with Pigs", 1782
Gainsborough masterfully creates dramatic contrast in his painting "The Girl with the Pigs", combining a peaceful rural mood with alarming signs of an approaching storm. In this work, the artist plays with opposites, emphasizing the beauty of simple rural life, but at the same time inserting it into the context of the unpredictability and variability of nature.
The girl sitting in the center is the focal point, and her thoughtful gaze on the little piglets creates an atmosphere of warmth and serenity. Her presence symbolizes prudence and care, representing the secure core around which rural life revolves. While little pigs drinking milk represent carelessness and selflessness.
However, focusing on the landscape around the girl increases the visual tension. A sunset sky covered with clouds and trees bending from the wind hint at the inevitability of an approaching storm or disturbance. This contrast between the girl's serenity and her disturbing surroundings creates a deep meaning in the painting, perhaps pointing to the uncertainty of the future and the unpredictability of fate.
Gainsborough's Girl with the Pigs thus becomes more than just an idyllic portrait of rural life. This work of art interacts with the viewer, evoking thoughts about the contradictions in life, about the balance between calm and uncertainty, which makes the painting deeply moving and multi-valued.
P. Vallati, "Boar Hunting", 1888
Vallati's painting of a hunting scene in which a boar is being hunted by dogs can convey various symbolic and emotional meanings. In this work, the artist can reflect the theme of struggle, sacrifice and natural order.
At first glance, the painting can evoke a feeling of tension and struggle, where the wild boar, being surrounded by dogs, becomes the object of the hunt. This may be associated with the theme of the struggle for survival in the wild, where animals are forced to fight for their lives.
The second aspect of the painting may be associated with the eternal cycle of life and death in nature. Hunting is part of the natural cycle where some creatures become food for others. This may highlight the endless rotation of life and death in nature.
The painting may also evoke thoughts about human intervention in the natural balance. Hunting as an activity can represent human intervention in the natural order, which can raise various ethical and moral issues.
Thus, the meaning of a Vallati painting can be multifaceted, and the viewer's perception may depend on his personal views, experiences and values.
Paul Gauguin, "Landscape with a Swineherd, Brittany", 1888
Gauguin's painting of a shepherd and his flock recreates the eternal theme of simplicity and harmony in rural life. A bright and serene sunny landscape that serves as a backdrop for a composition can symbolize natural beauty and well-being. The focus is on the swineherd, who is a representative of the labor and natural order.
The image of a shepherd and pigs can convey the idea of simplicity and joy in everyday life. The shepherd perhaps represents a figure associated with caring for animals, working the land, and harmony with nature. This may be a symbol of solitary life in the countryside, where humans and animals coexist in a natural symbiosis.
The two pigs on the right can add playfulness and a sense of community. Perhaps Gauguin wants to emphasize the joy and ease in rural life by providing images of friendly and cheerful pigs. These animals may serve not only as a source of food, but also as companions to the shepherd, creating an atmosphere of warmth and harmony.
Thus, Gauguin's painting can embody the idea of simplicity, joy and harmony in rural life, where man and nature merge in a cozy unity.
Franz Marc, "Pigs", 1912
Franz Marc paid close attention to animals in his paintings, since the human world, in his understanding, was ugly, and he could not paint people. He painted exclusively animals, as he considered them purer representatives of the living world compared to people.
The painting is made in the style of expressionism with a small amount of symbolism. The characters depicted on the canvas are endowed with features similar to either a person or someone else. It is worth noting that expressionism is characteristic of the perception of Franz Marc; it is in this style that the canvas called “Pigs” was made. The work uses color to show the pressure of the masculine on the feminine.
Rene Magritte, "Luck", 1948
A painting of a man with a pig's head and the ironic title "Luck" can evoke various interpretations and associations. This work of art perhaps warns against taking luck superficially and emphasizes that it can be unexpected and even dark.
The main character standing in the cemetery has an unusual feature - the head of a pig. This element can symbolize various aspects such as primitivism, animal instincts, or even a connection with the idea of stupidity. The pig's head can also be associated with familiar images of pigs, which are often perceived as dirty or greedy. This creates an interesting contrast with the title "Luck".
The stoic figure in front of the gravestone, as well as its gaze directed towards the viewer, may emphasize some of the hostility or even apathy towards death and loss that is usually associated with a cemetery. Thus, "Luck" in the painting perhaps ironizes the very idea of luck, emphasizing that it can come in strange and unusual forms, sometimes even amidst dismal circumstances.
Overall, this painting can be understood as a commentary on the unexpected and ambiguous nature of luck, as well as an ironic reflection on human values and interactions with the inevitability of death.
Valery Mironov, “There is no arguing about tastes”, 2005
In the series “Pigs under Latin,” Valery Mironov, with a modern look and using allusions to the works of old masters, offers his interpretation of irony and criticism regarding human vices.
Using the image of pigs can be a metaphor for expressing various negative traits of human character, such as greed, selfishness, irresponsibility and others. Transferring these traits to pigs can add a comic and satirical edge to the images, drawing attention to the absurdity and pointlessness of certain behavioral patterns.
Allusions to Old Master paintings can add depth and cultural context to Mironov's works. Perhaps the artist is playing with the ideas of classical art, reinterpreting them in the light of modern social realities. Thus, the works take on an ambiguity where traditional images take on new meaning in the context of modern criticism.
The series "Pigs under Latin" can serve as a kind of mirror, reflecting the shortcomings and contradictions of modern society, allowing the viewer to reflect on their own behavior and values. Thus, the artist Valery Mironov creates not only visually attractive works, but also provocative and reflective ones, stimulating discussion and reflection about human nature.
In conclusion, the history and symbolism of pigs in art are fascinating crossroads of cultural beliefs and artistic expressions. From associations with the Great Goddess to the ambivalence of boars, these images cut across different eras and regions, revealing a unique path of cultural heritage. In the next article, "Pigs and High Art: Proving They're a Perfect Match," we'll delve deeper into how pigs are incorporated into masterpieces of high art, emphasizing their role as unique symbols and inspiring subjects of creativity.
Welcome to our amazing catalog of art, where each painting is a unique world, imbued with history and emotions. Here you will find works of various genres and eras, reflecting the richness of the artistic heritage. Particular attention is paid to animal portraits, among which you will find striking images of pigs. Immerse yourself in the world of unique works and enjoy the diversity of art in each painting.