Herder op een heuveltje, kijkend naar zijn schapen c. 1654

This watercolour and ink artwork by Gesina ter Borch features a shepherd observing his flock in a serene landscape, a scene laden with enduring symbolism. The shepherd and his sheep evoke ancient pastoral ideals, echoing in Virgil's bucolic poems. The shepherd is not merely a figure of rustic simplicity, but also represents guidance and care, a motif carried forward in Christian art where Christ is often depicted as the Good Shepherd, tenderly watching over his flock, the faithful. Yet, the shepherd's staff he leans on also reminds me of Asclepius’ staff, a symbol that has morphed over time. It was originally associated with healing and medicine in Greek mythology, and is still associated with the medical profession today. This image taps into our collective memory, reminding us of humanity's timeless connection to the land and our dependence on symbols that transcend time.