Cincinnatus bag ploven kaldes til at være diktator 1574

This woodcut, made by Tobias Stimmer in the late 16th century, depicts the Roman citizen Cincinnatus being called from his plough to assume dictatorial power. Here, the plough is no mere farming tool; it is a symbol of civic virtue and humble duty, reminiscent of the ox and ass at Christ’s birth, underscoring themes of humility and sacrifice. The calling of Cincinnatus has echoed through centuries, such as in depictions of kings leaving their courts to return to the land. The image strikes at a deep, subconscious level, appealing to our collective memories of leadership born from the soil. But consider the evolution: from idealized virtue to romantic notions of rural simplicity, these symbols often reappear during periods of social upheaval. This illustrates the enduring, cyclical nature of symbols, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings, perpetually shaped by history's relentless hand.