Oude man steunend op een stok 1784 - 1837

Johannes Bisschop created this etching, "Old Man Leaning on a Stick," sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Note the walking stick, a symbol laden with associations of support, guidance, and the pilgrimage of life. Consider its echoes through art history—from the staffs of biblical patriarchs, evoking authority and divine mission, to the humble walking sticks of wandering philosophers, symbolizing introspection and self-reliance. The stick is more than just a tool; it’s a silent witness to journeys, embodying both physical and spiritual quests. The gentle stoop of the figure suggests weariness, yet there’s a quiet dignity in his posture. This image resonates with our collective understanding of aging and resilience. Like the recurring dream of climbing a steep hill, the symbolism connects to our subconscious anxieties and aspirations, reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence. The walking stick has, and will resurface, evolving with each telling.