Apulegio volgare, diuiso in undeci libri, novamente stampato & in molti lochi aggiontoui che nella prima impressione gli manchaua, & de molte più figure adornato 1519

This woodcut appears in a 15th-century edition of "The Golden Ass" by Lucius Apuleius, and is currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. During Apuleius’ time, the Roman Empire was a cauldron of cultural exchange. Born in North Africa, his writings were influenced by Greek philosophy and Roman social structures. The novel revolves around the protagonist Lucius, who is accidentally transformed into a donkey. This image captures a moment of Lucius’s transformation, from man to beast, where he is shown being abused and beaten. Apuleius was writing satire and social commentary. His protagonist’s metamorphosis can be viewed through the lens of identity. Trapped in the body of a donkey, Lucius experiences the world from a radically different perspective. This allows the author to comment on human behavior, societal norms, and the often brutal realities faced by those on the margins. The image is a poignant reminder that identity is not just about how we see ourselves, but how we are seen and treated by others.