Christ Child on Donkey c. 1500

This small, anonymous print shows the Christ Child on a donkey. Observe the palm branch that the child carries, a symbol of triumph and eternal life, which immediately connects us to Christ's entry into Jerusalem. The scene echoes images of Roman emperors entering cities in victory. Like the emperors of old, Christ rides, but on a humble donkey, signaling a spiritual, not earthly, triumph. This motif is powerful because it embodies a complex set of meanings accumulated over centuries, from the political power of ancient Rome to the humility of Christ's message. The emotional resonance lies in the juxtaposition of power and meekness. Yet, consider how this image also resurfaces in secular contexts, such as political cartoons where leaders are depicted riding animals to mock their authority. The palm branch itself evolves, sometimes replaced by olive branches as symbols of peace, or adapted into purely decorative elements. Thus, the image cycles through history, evolving and acquiring new layers of meaning, a testament to the enduring power of symbols.