The Good Shepherd 1927

Editor: This wood engraving is called "The Good Shepherd" by Eric Gill. It's held at the Tate. I find the figure's stylized form really striking. How do you interpret the symbolism at play here? Curator: The image resonates deeply within a tradition of Christian iconography, reimagining ancient pastoral motifs. The Good Shepherd, Christ-like, carrying the lamb, evokes tenderness, but also power. Consider the halo; what connotations does that carry? Editor: Well, the halo obviously symbolizes divinity, right? But the shepherd's androgynous features complicate that reading for me. Curator: Precisely. The ambiguity invites us to reflect on the universality of compassion and protection. Gill’s simplification distills the essence of the story, allowing the image to transcend a specific time or gender. What do you make of that direct gaze? Editor: I guess it's a call to the viewer, a way of inviting us to partake in this divine act of care and protection. It is a strong emotional message. Curator: Yes, a beautiful balance between the ancient and the modern, isn't it?