Man met stok 1755 - 1775

This is an engraving made by Robert Cooper around the turn of the 18th century, titled 'Man met stok'. Notice the figure of a man holding a staff, ascending a set of steps. The staff, a simple tool, is an ancient symbol. Think of the scepters of kings, the staffs of biblical figures, or even the simple walking sticks of pilgrims. The staff appears as a symbol of authority, guidance, or the journey of life itself. This motif echoes through time. The staff connects us to the image of the shepherd, a symbol of care and leadership. It is a very long history, from ancient Egypt to classical antiquity, and its echoes are visible in Christian art. The image resonates because the staff is a link to both our conscious and subconscious collective memory. A primal symbol that represents our basic needs and psychological desires. Such a seemingly simple tool engages us on a profound level, stirring deep-seated emotions and memories. It’s a testament to how art can tap into our shared human experience across epochs.