Tabaksdoos c. 1800 - 1813

Andreas Blytt created this silver tobacco box in the late 18th or early 19th century. The pastoral scene evokes a sense of tranquility, but let us delve deeper into its symbolic layers. The shepherd, a timeless figure, appears alongside his flock, resonating with the ancient motif of the "Good Shepherd." This symbol, deeply rooted in Christian iconography, represents care and protection. We find echoes of this archetype in earlier Greek art with Hermes the shepherd, who guides souls to the afterlife. Similarly, the image of the "Good Shepherd" has resurfaced throughout history, evolving from religious art into secular expressions of leadership and pastoral care. The presence of animals carries its own weight. They often symbolize innocence and a return to a natural, untainted state of being. As cultural memory shifts, so too does the emotional resonance of the image. The scene is a powerful visual metaphor that engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, evoking nostalgia and a longing for a simpler existence.