Issachar, from The Twelve Sons of Jacob 1584 - 1594

This engraving of Issachar, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, was created by Jacques de Gheyn II. Issachar is depicted with a donkey, laden with goods, symbolizing patience and hard work. The inclusion of the donkey is crucial. Across cultures, the donkey appears as a symbol of humility and burden-bearing. Its presence connects to ancient agricultural societies where the animal bore the weight of labor. Think of Christ's entry into Jerusalem – the donkey transforms into a symbol of peace and service. Yet, in other contexts, the same animal is linked to stubbornness or foolishness. The image of Issachar resonates with a profound, subconscious understanding of labor, sacrifice, and the enduring cycles of life and work. The emotional power of this image comes from its ability to evoke deep-seated feelings about perseverance and the universal human experience of toil. These symbols are in constant flux. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings as they journey through time.