Sheet of Sketches: Details of a Donkey and Accoutrements n.d.

This pencil sketch of a donkey and its accoutrements was made by Charles Jacque. The donkey, laden with packs, has appeared throughout history as a symbol of burden, humility, and patience. Look closely, and you'll notice the careful attention to the details of the pack saddle, the harnesses, and the gentle curve of the donkey's back. We see this motif echoed in ancient Egyptian art where animals bore goods along the Nile, and in medieval Christian iconography, where the donkey carried Christ into Jerusalem. In each context, the symbol shifts, evolving from a mundane beast of burden to a sacred emblem of peace. Consider the emotional weight of this humble creature. Does it evoke a sense of empathy, an understanding of labor and endurance? It engages our collective memory, reminding us that even in the simplest of forms, profound symbols reside.