Boer haalt een doorn uit zijn voet 1599 - 1664

This etching, by Jan Miel, captures a simple scene: a farmer removing a thorn from his foot. Yet, within this humble act, we find echoes of deeper human experiences. Consider the thorn itself. A symbol of irritation, pain, and the unavoidable hardships of life. The removal of the thorn reminds one of the tale of Androcles, where the removal of a thorn from a lion’s paw leads to an unlikely friendship. This image, like the fable, speaks to the shared vulnerabilities and the potential for redemption found even in the most challenging circumstances. The dog resting beside the farmer, a recurring motif, embodies loyalty, and companionship. It also echoes images of Saint Roch tending to the sick, where the dog is his faithful companion. The emotions evoked by Miel's etching engage us on a primal level, a reminder that suffering and solace are universal threads woven through the tapestry of human existence.