Dorpsgezicht met straat in Sint-Jacobiparochie 1786 - 1792

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this village scene in Sint-Jacobiparochie through etching. Notice the flock of sheep that is being herded through town. Sheep, beyond their pastoral charm, carry a deep symbolic weight. Throughout history, they have represented innocence, purity, and the faithful flock under the guidance of a shepherd. The symbolism of sheep dates back to ancient religious traditions. Consider the "Lamb of God" motif in Christian art, linking Christ to sacrifice and redemption. The presence of sheep in Bendorp's etching is a common motif in art and literature, evoking themes of pastoral simplicity, divine guidance, and collective identity. As you gaze at the sheep, imagine them traversing not only this village but also countless artworks across time, constantly evolving in meaning, yet forever tethered to our shared cultural memory.