Hügelige Gegend, rechts Hirte und Hirtin auf Eseln reitend mit Vieh 

Nicolaes Berchem sketched this scene of rolling hills with herders and their livestock. The figures riding donkeys amidst their flock echo a pastoral ideal, harking back to ancient bucolic themes of harmony with nature. This motif of the shepherd—a humble figure in charge of a flock—resonates deeply in cultural memory. Consider the Christian image of the Good Shepherd, gently guiding and protecting his sheep. This symbolism is not unique, it surfaces across cultures, embodying leadership and care. The simple life, as depicted here, is a recurring dream throughout history. It touches on a collective longing for peace and simplicity, far from the complexities of urban life. The very act of shepherding becomes a symbol of guidance. It reappears in different contexts, echoing the cyclical nature of human desires and aspirations.