Herderin met ezel en drie schapen 1655 - 1667

Romeyn de Hooghe etched this small print, titled "Herderin met ezel en drie schapen," sometime between 1645 and 1708. At first glance, it depicts a pastoral scene: a shepherdess with her animals. But let's delve into the symbolism. The donkey, often seen as a beast of burden, also carries deeper religious connotations, famously bearing Christ into Jerusalem. Here, it rests, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation. The sheep, symbols of innocence and followers, evoke Christian flocks guided by a shepherd. These images echo through art history, appearing in countless religious and pastoral scenes. Consider how the figure of the shepherd transforms, from ancient Greek depictions of Pan to the Good Shepherd in Christian art. Each reiteration subtly shifts the symbolic weight, reflecting changing cultural values and beliefs. These cyclical returns are not mere repetitions; they are a kind of cultural echo, resonating with collective memories.