Willemynken ligt in de modder tussen de koeien en Duyfken wijst de goede weg 1590 - 1638

This is a print by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert, depicting a woman lying in the mud amongst cows, while another points the way forward. The shepherdess, with her guiding staff, is an ancient motif, echoing images of leadership and spiritual guidance. Consider the figure of Hermes, psychopomp, leading souls; or even Moses leading his people through the desert. This motif transcends cultures, reappearing in various forms throughout history. The contrast between the woman in the mud and the guiding figure creates a powerful tension. The mire evokes a primordial state, a regression to the earth and the body, while the guide evokes a sense of direction. This interplay between grounding and aspiration reflects our collective struggles and resilience, tapping into deep, subconscious layers of human experience. The images evoke a sense of cyclical progression—descent, struggle, guidance, and eventual return. The cycle echoes through time, reminding us of the human capacity to find direction, even in the midst of despair.