A young Herdsman 1840 - 1870

Eugène Lepoittevin painted this small panel, a "Young Herdsman," using oil on wood. Observe the shepherd's staff: A simple tool, yes, but it echoes across centuries, back to classical antiquity. Think of Hermes, messenger of the gods, his caduceus a symbol of travel and negotiation. In this painting, the staff is more modest, yet it still speaks of journeys, both physical and spiritual. This motif of the staff-bearing wanderer is not new. The staff- a symbol of authority and guidance- appears in countless forms. We see it again and again, from the scepter of kings to the humble stick of a pilgrim. The figure embodies a timeless connection to nature. It is a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of our own journeys and the symbols we carry. The path of symbols is never linear, but cyclical, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings with each passing era.