El simbolismo de la oveja y su presencia en la obra de Picasso

Abstract

There is a rich variety of symbolic values behind sheep, lambs and rams from antiquity until modern times. Sheep and lambs were considered docile and tame animals, and therefore they usually were chosen by all countries and cultures as victims in sacrifi ces. Rams were often portrayed as physically powerful and highly sexualized. Among Christians, these animals represented Jesus’ personality and the Christian people. Topics such as the Good Shepherd, the Paschal Lamb, the Golden Fleece and the still lifes showing skulls and heads of sheep, are common in the History of Western Art. In this paper we analyse in detail all of these symbolic meanings and their presence in Picasso’s work.