Den gode hyrde 1756

Jonas Haas created this engraving of "The Good Shepherd." The composition is dominated by the figure of the shepherd, staff in hand, haloed, and surrounded by a flock of sheep. The Good Shepherd is an archetypal image, its roots stretching back far before Christianity. We see it echoed in ancient Near Eastern art, where benevolent figures were depicted protecting flocks. In Christian iconography, this image embodies divine care and guidance, and we see the same pastoral motif in early mosaics and illuminated manuscripts. Consider the lamb carried on the shepherd's shoulders, a symbol that resonates deeply. It’s an enduring symbol of sacrifice and redemption that transcends time and finds echoes in other religious traditions. Just as the Greeks bore calves on their shoulders in similar fashion. This pastoral scene is not merely an aesthetic representation, but a powerful psychological symbol. It engages the viewer on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of comfort, security, and divine love. The image reminds us that these symbols are not static. They resurface and evolve, each era layering its own interpretation on the original.