Reiziger trekt zijn schoen aan bij een boom 1787 - 1844

Johann Friedrich Morgenstern created this etching, titled "Traveler Putting on His Shoe by a Tree," sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. At first glance, the act of a traveler putting on his shoe appears rather ordinary, yet it evokes an ancient symbol: the prepared foot. Consider Achilles, whose heel—his point of vulnerability—echoes in this humble scene. Our traveler, pausing to protect his foot, reminds us that every journey has its perils, both seen and unseen. The act of lacing up one's shoes connects us to a common human experience. This man's action mirrors countless others who have paused to prepare for their paths, each step a testament to the enduring human spirit. The image is understated, but it stirs a profound sense of empathy and recognition. These archetypal motifs, deeply embedded in our collective memory, continue to engage viewers on a subconscious level, and resurface throughout history to take on new meanings.