Volwassen man met hoed en stok 1794 - 1802

Jan Chalon created this etching of a man with a hat and walking stick in 1794. The figure's walking stick is more than a mere support; it's a symbol deeply rooted in the human psyche. Consider the shepherd's staff, an ancient emblem of guidance and authority. It appears across cultures, from the crook of the Egyptian pharaoh to the bishop's crosier, and even in the scepter. This seemingly simple object carries echoes of power, control, and direction. Note, too, how the man clutches the stick with both hands, his gaze direct. This isn’t just a casual pose. It speaks to a need for stability, a seeking of grounding in a world of uncertainty. The stick, then, becomes a tangible link to something secure, a point of contact in the shifting sands of existence. This symbol’s cyclical journey reflects our own. We search for meaning, grasp at symbols of order, and project our desires onto the objects around us.