Landschap met ezel 1648 - 1692

Albert Flamen etched this landscape with donkey scene sometime in the 17th century. Observe how the donkey, a humble beast of burden, carries a rider through a pastoral setting. The donkey has been a recurring symbol throughout history, often associated with humility, peace, and even entry into sacred spaces. I recall images of Christ's entry into Jerusalem, where he is depicted riding a donkey, signifying a message of peace over worldly power. The donkey and rider motif carries different connotations, depending on the context, oscillating between the everyday and the sacred. The emotional weight of this image lies in its evocation of simple, rural life, a nostalgic echo of a world increasingly lost to time. Consider how such images tap into our collective memory, conjuring feelings of tranquility and a longing for a simpler existence. It reveals the cyclical progression of symbols, as they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across different historical contexts.