Reverse Copy of Le Paysan Portant sa Pelle sur L'Épaule (The Peasant Carrying his Shovel over his Shoulder), from "Les Caprices" Series A, The Florence Set 1620 - 1700

This small, anonymous etching presents a peasant, a symbol deeply rooted in the soil of human existence. The shovel he carries over his shoulder and the walking stick on which he leans are not merely tools but emblems of toil, endurance, and a connection to the earth. This figure evokes images of Adam, expelled from Eden, or perhaps even echoes of ancient Greek representations of the weary traveler, burdened by life's journey. Consider how the posture of the peasant – bent, yet resilient – mirrors that of Atlas bearing the weight of the world. It is a gesture we see repeated across centuries, from classical sculptures to Millet’s paintings. The stoic nature of this image resonates with a collective memory of labor, struggle, and the unyielding spirit of humanity. This is an archetype that has continuously resurfaced across diverse cultural landscapes, each time adapting and reflecting the societal values and subconscious anxieties of its age.