Herder met zijn schapen op de hei 1822 - 1891

Simon van den Berg created this etching, "Herder met zijn schapen op de hei", depicting a shepherd amidst his flock. The sheep are central, symbols of innocence and pastoral life, evoking classical imagery. The shepherd as protector is an ancient motif, seen in early Christian art with Christ as the Good Shepherd. This iconography extends back to pre-Christian eras, appearing in pastoral poetry and bucolic landscapes, symbolizing care and guidance. The staff he carries is not just a tool but a symbol of authority and care, echoed in scepters and religious staffs across cultures. Consider how the idea of the shepherd, the guardian, persists through time, shifting from religious to secular contexts, yet retaining its core emotional resonance. The image invites us to consider our connection to the past and the archetypal roles we continue to enact.