Zittende man met een pet en wandelstok 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh sketched this man with pencil on paper. Note the walking stick, an ancient symbol of authority and guidance, reminiscent of the scepters of kings or the staffs of biblical patriarchs. Across millennia, the staff morphs. Think of the caduceus, entwined with serpents, emblems of medicine and commerce, or even the simple shepherd's crook, a sign of pastoral care. It becomes a symbol of not just physical support, but also moral and spiritual direction. Consider its appearance in countless images of pilgrims, wanderers, and wise elders. Here, it represents the sitter's dignity, a subtle assertion of self in a rapidly changing world. It underscores a connection to tradition, a quiet rebellion against the anonymity of modern life, a link to the deep-seated human need for order and meaning. The symbol transforms, yet it continues to echo through time, shaping our understanding of power, wisdom, and the human journey.