Fable / King & Shepherd

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Fable / King & Shepherd

THE SHEPHERD AND THE KING A fable about ambition: the king thinks the shepherd wise, and makes him a judge, whereupon the shepherd loses his wisdom through vanity

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 4311717

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10014994

Ambition Fable Fables Flock Fontaine Judge Loses Makes Sheep Shepherd Thinks Vanity Wisdom Wise Myth

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> Animals > Mammals > Bovidae > Sheep

> Popular Themes > Sheep

EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, titled "The Shepherd and the King," is a visual representation of the classic fable penned by Jean de La Fontaine in the 17th century. The story, much like the numerous other fables in La Fontaine's collection, imparts valuable moral lessons through the use of animals as characters. In this particular tale, the king, enchanted by the shepherd's wisdom, makes him a judge in his court. However, the shepherd, intoxicated by his newfound position and the trappings of power, loses sight of his humble origins and the simple wisdom that once defined him. The scene depicted in the photograph, circa 1870, transports us back in time to an era where the divide between the shepherd and the king was more distinct. The shepherd, dressed in traditional attire, is shown seated amongst the grandeur of the royal court, surrounded by the regal trappings of power. His expression, once wise and contemplative, is now clouded by vanity and ambition. The king, on the other hand, looks on approvingly, oblivious to the transformation that has taken place before his very eyes. This historical print, a testament to the enduring power of fables, serves as a reminder of the dangers of ambition and the importance of staying true to one's roots. The shepherd's flock, symbolic of his simple, uncomplicated life, lies forgotten in the background, a poignant reminder of the price of power and the fleeting nature of worldly success.

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