Bauernhof in einem Eichenwald, im Vordergrund ein rastendes Paar mit einem Knaben 

This is a delicate drawing by Bernard Gottfried Manskirsch, an idyllic scene rendered with graphite. At its heart, the towering oak trees dominate, their canopies creating a cathedral-like space around a resting family. The oak, a symbol of strength and endurance, has long held a place in our collective consciousness, from ancient pagan rituals to its presence in heraldry, signifying nobility and resilience. The family resting beneath its boughs echoes similar depictions throughout art history, a universal symbol of the nurturing embrace of nature and the simple joys of familial bonds. But these symbols, heavy with tradition, are not static. The act of resting, often associated with the "repos pendant la fuite en Égypte" can be traced back to classical antiquity. It reappears time and again, taking on new resonances with each iteration. Here, in Manskirsch's rendering, it evokes a longing for a simpler existence, a yearning for a connection to the natural world that resonates even more powerfully today. The emotional impact of this image lies in its ability to tap into our subconscious desires for peace and belonging. Like a dream, it speaks to us in symbols, inviting us to reflect on our place in the ever-turning wheel of history.