Dörfchen im Gebirge an einem Bach, im Vordergrund ein Hirte mit einer Herde 

This delicate landscape was rendered by Christian Friedrich in the 18th or 19th century, it depicts a shepherd guiding his flock through a serene mountain village using watercolor on paper. Note the recurring symbol of the shepherd. This figure is loaded with historical and religious connotations. It extends back to ancient Near Eastern cultures as a symbol of kingship. We find it also in the Old Testament, with David, and later adopted by Christianity. Christ himself becomes the Good Shepherd, guiding his flock of believers. Here, in Friedrich's pastoral scene, the shepherd embodies a simpler, Romantic ideal. Observe how the symbolic representation of the shepherd morphs across centuries. It reappears as a guardian, a leader, a protector. This visual idea taps into our collective memory, evoking feelings of safety, guidance, and a deep-seated connection to nature. A potent symbol that resonates even today.