Herder zittend op een rots nabij enkele ossen 1841 - 1857

This pencil drawing was made by Johan Daniël Koelman, a Dutch artist who lived in the 19th century. It portrays a shepherd resting on a rock, overseeing his herd of oxen. The figure of the shepherd, a guardian of his flock, carries echoes from ancient times. We find this motif in classical antiquity, where the shepherd embodies pastoral ideals of care and protection. Think of the Good Shepherd in early Christian art, a symbol of divine guidance and salvation. The shepherd is a motif that recurs throughout art history, a testament to enduring human values. Consider the psychological dimension: the shepherd represents a desire for safety and guidance. This archetype touches something primal within us, stirring feelings of reassurance. The oxen symbolize strength and reliability, further reinforcing these emotions. The symbolism of the shepherd continues to evolve, surfacing in new forms across different eras, each time resonating with the collective anxieties and aspirations of its age.