Zittende herder met zijn hond en geiten 1648 - 1733

This undated print, “Zittende herder met zijn hond en geiten,” showcases a pastoral scene with a shepherd amidst his flock, rendered in delicate lines. Note how the image is divided into three sections, each filled with an array of animalia. Historically, the shepherd embodies a protector, a guide. Think of the Good Shepherd, a motif that goes back to early Christian art, where Christ bears the lamb on his shoulders. Here, our shepherd is not overtly religious but echoes that sentiment. The repetition of the animal motifs, particularly the goats with their twisted horns, evokes ancient symbols of fertility and abundance. These creatures, though humble, are laden with meaning. Like the twisting Laocoön, struggling against fate, the horns carry a primordial energy, a testament to nature’s enduring power and its cyclical rhythms. This image isn't just a depiction; it is a visual echo chamber resonating with centuries of cultural memory.