An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Shepherd Boy Pointing at Tobias and the Angelc. 1625–30
Artist: Abraham Bloemaert
Dutch, 1566–1651
Boy seated in front under a tree with a yoke, buckets, and a jug, pointing to Tobias and the Angel walking on the right.
36 1/4 x 46 3/8 in. (92.08 x 117.79 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund
In a serene landscape, where fields stretch endlessly under a soft blue sky, a shepherd boy takes a moment to rest. His tired eyes, carrying the weight of the world, gaze out towards the distant horizon—a world filled with hopeful travelers. Beside him, a bucket, a milk can, and a yoke rest by his side, simple items that reflect his humble life. Yet, they also symbolize the duties he upholds, connecting him to the land and to the people moving through it.
Among those travelers are two figures: Tobias, a young man on a mission, and the archangel Raphael, who walks beside him disguised as a guide. Their story unfolds like a tapestry woven with threads of adventure and faith. Tobias, with the heart of a son, has set out to recover his family's lost fortune, prompted by the desperate plea of his blind father. His loyal dog trots at his heels, embodying the loyalty that accompanies every faithful soul.
As they journey, Raphael’s true identity remains hidden, cloaked in the guise of an ordinary guide. But even as the shepherd boy enjoys his moment of serenity, he seems to understand that every step of Tobias’s journey is safeguarded by a protective presence. The shepherd observes silently, perhaps pondering the significance of the unfolding tale—the unseen guardians that accompany us in our daily lives, guiding and shielding us.
In the background of this everyday life scene, the richness of the biblical narrative whispers softly. Set in the 1500s and 1600s, Dutch artists often intertwined tales of the divine with the mundane, painting stories of faith against the backdrop of everyday existence. Bloemaert, with his thoughtful brush, leaves this moment open to interpretation, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys.
The story of Tobias does not merely conclude with the recovery of fortune and the joy of a restored father’s sight; it culminates in a new beginning—a happy marriage filled with promise. Just as the shepherd boy finds tranquility in his duties, we too can find peace in acknowledging the unseen forces that walk beside us, guiding our paths and illuminating our hearts.
About the artist
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