Herder met geiten en koeien 1637 - 1656

This etching, "Herder met geiten en koeien," was created by Cornelis Matthieu in the 17th century. Note how the shepherd, surrounded by his goats and cows, embodies a pastoral ideal. The shepherd, a symbol of care, guidance, and provision, echoes through centuries of art, literature, and religious thought. In ancient Greece, we see Hermes the shepherd of souls, guiding the dead to the underworld. Then, consider the figure of the Good Shepherd in Christian iconography, offering protection and salvation to his flock. Here, the shepherd’s humble connection to the earth resonates with a deep, almost primal longing for a simpler, more harmonious existence. Notice how the scene evokes a sense of nostalgia for an idyllic past. This image, like so many others, taps into a collective memory, a yearning for a world untouched by the complexities and anxieties of modern life. It is a powerful reminder of our enduring connection to the land and the archetypal figures who embody our most fundamental values.