Ein Zug von Männern, Frauen und Kindern, die Säcke und Körbe tragen 

Hans Speckaert created this drawing, "Ein Zug von Männern, Frauen und Kindern, die Säcke und Körbe tragen" sometime around 1540. It depicts a procession of figures burdened with sacks and baskets, painted with ink and wash in brown and gray. Speckaert’s work reflects the tumultuous times he lived in, a period marked by religious conflict and social upheaval during the Reformation. In this context, we can see how the weight of the baggage is more than just physical. It represents the burdens of daily life, the struggle for survival, and the emotional toll of displacement. The figures, both male and female, young and old, are united in their shared experience of carrying their loads, an emotional burden of facing an uncertain future. The drawing challenges traditional heroic narratives by focusing on the collective experience of ordinary people. It evokes a sense of empathy and solidarity with those who are forced to carry heavy burdens, both literally and metaphorically. It is a commentary on the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.