Herder blaast op schalmei bij kudde schapen in landschap 1507 - 1523

Benedetto Montagna etched this pastoral scene depicting a shepherd playing a shawm amid a flock of sheep. The shepherd, often seen as a symbol of care and guidance, harkens back to ancient pastoral traditions, where the shepherd was not merely a caretaker of sheep, but a guardian of souls. The musical instrument being played, known as a shawm, adds another layer to this imagery. The figure of the shepherd appears throughout time, from ancient Greek bucolic poetry to Christian iconography, where Christ is often depicted as the Good Shepherd, guiding his flock. Consider the Orpheus myth, whose music had the power to charm not only animals but also trees and stones. In a similar vein, the shepherd's music connects to nature, creating a harmony between humanity and the natural world. This resonates with a deep-seated longing for a simpler, more harmonious existence, reflecting the cyclical nature of cultural memory.