Berger des montagnes de la Castille 

Henri Regnault captured this shepherd of Castile with oil on canvas. The shepherd, staff in hand and dog at his side, is a figure steeped in ancient symbolism. The shepherd is not merely a guardian of sheep; he is a symbol of guidance, care, and even spiritual leadership, echoing through the ages. Consider the Good Shepherd of early Christian art, who carries a lamb upon his shoulders, a direct visual descendant of the classical world's pastoral imagery. Here, Regnault presents us with a more rugged figure, yet the underlying theme persists: the shepherd as protector and guide. The staff he carries isn't just a tool; it's an emblem of authority, a scepter of the pastoral realm. The image carries an emotional weight. Regnault’s shepherd stands as a timeless figure, embodying perseverance and self-reliance, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a simpler existence. The image taps into our collective memory of pastoral life.