Augustus 17th century

This small woodcut depicts a scene of travelers in a rugged landscape. Immediately, my attention is drawn to the motif of the donkey, heavily laden, accompanied by a figure tending to a fallen man. This image echoes across centuries, reminding me of similar depictions of care and burden found in medieval and Renaissance art. Think of the Good Samaritan tending to the wounded traveler, or Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child across the river. Here, though, the scene is stripped bare. The emotional weight of the image lies in its stark simplicity. The burden, both literal and figurative, is palpable. One can't help but ponder the subconscious echoes of such scenes. Collective memory, the psychological inheritance of our shared past, surely affects how we view this image, triggering emotions tied to sacrifice, compassion, and the endurance of humanity through hardship. This symbol’s cyclical progression reflects our deep-seated need to both witness and partake in acts of care and aid.