Twee gezadelde en bepakte ezels 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this pencil drawing of two saddled and packed donkeys sometime during the 19th century. As an artist associated with the Hague School, Mauve was interested in depicting everyday scenes with a focus on the lives of ordinary people and their connection to the landscape. Donkeys, often beasts of burden, were commonly used for transporting goods and people in the Netherlands, and are depicted in the drawing as functional animals, ready for work. This utilitarian representation can be seen as a reflection of the social and economic realities of the time, where animals played a crucial role in supporting human livelihoods. Mauve's choice to portray these donkeys invites reflection on themes of labor, rural life, and the relationship between humans and animals. The simplicity of the drawing evokes a sense of empathy for the animals. It reminds us of the often-overlooked contributions of these creatures in shaping human history and society.