Heilige Jozef met staf 1888

Piet Verhaert created this etching of Saint Joseph with a Staff in 1888. In this image, the staff is more than a mere walking aid; it’s a symbol deeply rooted in religious and mythological narratives, representing authority, guidance, and divine protection. Consider Moses, whose staff parted the Red Sea, or the shepherd's crook, emblematic of care and leadership. We find the staff again and again. Here, Joseph's staff evokes a lineage of holy figures and their connection to higher powers. This symbol transcends its immediate religious context, resonating with primal, collective memories of guidance and protection. The staff becomes a conduit for divine will, a link between the earthly and the spiritual. In Verhaert's portrayal, it emphasizes Joseph's role as a protector and guide, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. The emotional power in this image lies in the cyclical, non-linear progression of this symbol, continually resurfacing and evolving across different eras.