Ein großer Fels neben einem Weg mit Hirten und Vieh, rechts eine Ruine 

This watercolor painting by Johann Georg Wagner presents a serene landscape dominated by a large rock formation beside a path, with shepherds, livestock, and a ruin in the background. The rock, a powerful symbol, can be traced back to ancient times, representing steadfastness and refuge. We see this echoed in biblical narratives where rocks symbolize strength and divine protection. Consider the myth of Atlas who was condemned to hold up the heavens; or Saint Peter, whose name means "rock" in Greek, on whom Christ declared he would build his church. Here, the rock’s imposing presence and the shepherd leaning against it evokes the timeless connection between humanity, nature, and the search for stability. The ruin, on the other hand, speaks of the transience of human endeavors. As a memento mori, it reminds us that all earthly structures are subject to decay and transformation. The rock and ruin together capture the cyclical nature of existence, reflecting a complex interplay of permanence and change, deeply ingrained in our collective memory.