Pa. German Stove Plate c. 1936

This Pennsylvania German stove plate, likely crafted in the late 19th or early 20th century by Charles Von Urban, bears potent symbols reflecting communal life and spiritual hopes. Observe the flock of sheep, a recurring motif throughout art history as a symbol of community and divine guidance. This recalls the shepherd imagery found in early Christian art, where Christ leads his flock. Yet, here, the accompanying inscription – "The wolves shall dwell with the lambs" – evokes a vision of utopian harmony. This challenges the traditional understanding of the lamb as merely passive followers and introduces the concept of wolves which are no longer predators. Consider the endurance of these symbols, transmitted across generations, adapting to new cultural landscapes, and constantly shifting in meaning. The appearance of these symbols are not linear; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.