Rory O'Moore, from the Illustrated Songs series (N116) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1893

This chromolithograph, part of the Illustrated Songs series by W. Duke, Sons & Co., presents us with Rory O'Moore, an embodiment of Irish charm and resilience. The figure holds a walking stick, a humble tool that transcends mere utility. In ancient Greece, we find Hermes, messenger of the gods, bearing his caduceus, a staff symbolizing authority and passage. The walking stick morphs through time; consider its appearance with pilgrims, or as a symbol of pastoral authority. But here, in the hands of Rory, it represents the wandering Irishman, evoking a sense of longing and displacement, touching a collective memory of migration and cultural identity. The stick’s simplicity, held with such casual confidence, hints at a deeper connection—a link to the earth, to the homeland, and to the enduring spirit of a people, subconsciously resonating with those who view it, reminding us of the stories carried across generations. It's a testament to how symbols can echo, adapt, and persist, shaping our understanding of history.