Two Men in Conversation 1696

Crescenzio Onofri’s etching presents us with two figures in contemplation amidst a vast landscape. The shepherd's staff, an ancient symbol of guidance and authority, takes us back to biblical imagery. In this print, the staff is a crucial motif. Think of Hermes, guiding souls, or even the scepter of a king – each carries the weight of leadership. The staff here, however, seems more connected to a life of pastoral contemplation. It grounds the figure, anchoring him to the earth, while the other man, seated, embodies a more internal reflection. This image, though seemingly simple, connects us to the broader human quest for understanding, echoing across time, resurfacing, and evolving, always with a nod to the past.