De balkende ezel 1630 - 1648

Cornelis de Wael created this etching, "The Braying Donkey," during the 17th century, a period marked by significant social stratification and the rise of mercantile economies. In this scene, we witness a donkey laden with goods, surrounded by figures from different walks of life, highlighting the economic disparities of the time. The presence of women carrying baskets suggests their role in the marketplace, while the men urging the donkey forward with sticks evoke the harsh realities of labor and the social hierarchy. De Wael invites us to consider the complex relationships between humans, animals, and commerce in the bustling world of the 17th century. The braying of the donkey can be seen as a metaphor for the voices of the marginalized, struggling to be heard amidst the clamor of societal norms. This work doesn't just depict a scene; it captures a moment of tension, struggle, and the quiet resistance of everyday life.