Landweg met twee mannen die een ezel bepakken 1620

This etching by Matthäus Merian, titled "Landweg met twee mannen die een ezel bepakken", presents us with a seemingly simple scene of rural life. Yet, within it lie symbols that resonate with centuries of human experience. The figures of men and beasts of burden carry a weight far beyond the physical. The motif of the burdened animal appears throughout history, from ancient Egyptian reliefs to medieval tapestries. Often, these animals symbolise the toils and trials of everyday life, reflecting the shared human condition of labour and struggle. Consider the recurring image of the donkey in religious art, particularly its association with the Flight into Egypt. Here, it is a symbol of humility and resilience, and its appearance alongside human travellers speaks to our collective journey through time and adversity. The emotional impact of this image is powerful, drawing us into the scene and prompting us to reflect on our own burdens and journeys. These visual symbols echo through the ages, transforming and resurfacing in new contexts, all the while retaining a core emotional resonance.