Plate 9: A Donkey and a Mule c. 1575 - 1580

This is Plate 9: A Donkey and a Mule by Joris Hoefnagel. The artist's delicate touch brings to life a scene rich with symbols. Note the donkey, a figure laden with the weight of labor and humility, standing next to a mule. These creatures, emblems of burden, remind us of ancient fables where animals embody human traits. Think of Apuleius's "The Golden Ass," where transformation and the animalistic self intertwine. Consider also how images of burdened animals appear throughout medieval Christian art, symbolizing patience and perseverance. The thistle, a humble weed, echoes the theme of endurance, resilience, and the power of nature. Such symbolism transcends time, reappearing in folklore and literature. Hoefnagel taps into a deep well of collective memory, inviting us to reflect on the psychological and emotional burdens we all carry.