Final answer:
The 1966 wood engraving by Fritz Eichenberg likely depicts Laozi, the figure commonly associated with the foundational Daoist text, the Daodejing. Laozi represents key themes of Daoism such as simplicity, harmony, and naturalism, despite the historical ambiguity surrounding his existence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1966 wood engraving by Fritz Eichenberg that retells one of the most famous and foundational Daoist stories, the Daoist luminary depicted is most likely Laozi. Laozi is commonly associated with the foundational text of Daoism, the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching), which emphasizes themes of simplicity, harmony, and naturalism. The teachings within the Daodejing offer political, anti-political, and pro-nature messages, along with esoteric spiritual teachings involving meditation and the practice of aligning with the natural way of things, or the dao.
Laozi, also referred to as "Master Lao" or "Old Master," is a central figure in Daoism and often portrayed as the author of the Daodejing, even though historical evidence for his existence is sparse, with potentials of the text being a compilation from various thinkers. Nonetheless, the philosophy of Daoism and its texts have contributed significantly to the religious and philosophical landscape of ancient China, standing in contrast to Confucianism and bringing forth a focus on naturalistic views and a resistance to traditional hierarchies.
The engraving by Eichenberg, serving as a visual retelling, would naturally focus on a seminal figure like Laozi, who is deeply intertwined with the origins and promotion of Daoist thought, making him a prime candidate for representation in an artwork depicting Daoist themes.