Vier voorstellingen van een staande figuur 1777 - 1779

This drawing by Pieter de Mare, made sometime before his death in 1796, presents us with four figures, each carrying their own weight of symbolism. Consider the old woman with the walking stick. In classical antiquity, the staff was often associated with pilgrims, wanderers, and philosophers, figures who undertook journeys of self-discovery or spiritual quest. This motif recurs across medieval and Renaissance art. Over time the staff transforms, often becoming a symbol of fragility and dependence, like the crone. The image evokes complex emotions: vulnerability but also wisdom. This archetype engages with our collective memory, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life, and how even symbols evolve, carrying layers of history and emotional resonance. The artist taps into a deep, subconscious level, inviting us to reflect on mortality and the enduring human condition.