Figuur op een pad in een landschap c. 1876 - 1888

This is Anton Mauve’s sketch of a figure on a path in a landscape, held at the Rijksmuseum. Notice the lone figure, centered, walking along a path, sheltered under an umbrella. The umbrella itself is a telling symbol. In ancient Egypt, parasols were associated with status, sheltering royalty from the sun, signifying power and divinity. Here, the umbrella’s symbolism has shifted. No longer purely a sign of royalty, it represents protection. In a turbulent world, it provides a personal haven, a shield against the elements. Consider how this symbol has been passed down through history, evolving with each new context. What once protected pharaohs now offers solace to an individual traversing a common path. This points to our collective memory and the psychological weight these images carry. The simple act of seeking shelter touches on our deepest fears and desires, engaging us on a subconscious level. We see here the cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing and evolving.