Pastoral c. 1947

Editor: This etching, called "Pastoral," was created around 1947 by Carl M. Schultheiss. It feels rather somber to me, this old man sitting with his goats. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, first, I notice the almost biblical quality of the scene, but not in an overt way. This man could be a shepherd, a common figure across many cultures, representing care, guidance, and a connection to nature. Consider the emotional weight that the archetype carries – he’s burdened. He's part of an ancient, continuous narrative about humanity's relationship with the land. The presence of the goats, too, is quite interesting, recalling various mythologies and their roles as symbols of both prosperity and sacrifice. Does the sky above look troubled to you as well? Editor: I see what you mean about the shepherd archetype, but I also think he looks like a farmer perhaps just resting from his labor? It's that combination of possible meanings that makes it compelling. Is it typical for etchings to feature such weighty themes? Curator: Not always explicitly, but the medium lends itself to detail and introspection. Etching allows for nuanced shading, as you see here with those expressive cloud formations in the distance, creating symbolic drama and emotional depth. What feeling does the dark coloration of the nearby rock produce? What kind of meaning can we pull from it, combined with the troubled sky, the burdened man, and his quiet herd? Editor: It does seem heavy, doesn’t it? It emphasizes this feeling of burden you pointed out. All these familiar images combine to conjure this particular mood… Curator: Exactly. The power of art lies not only in the literal depictions, but also in how those images resonate within us, triggering cultural memories and inviting interpretation. Editor: I didn’t realize how many layers there were! It definitely makes you look at the image much differently, seeing both the realistic depiction and all these complex symbolisms together. Curator: That interplay between surface and deeper meaning is at the heart of art history. And, of course, a joy to discover!