Plate Number 667. Ass; walking, saddle; a boy riding, Zoo 1887

Eadweard Muybridge created this photographic study of a boy riding a donkey, freezing moments in time. The donkey, a symbol of humility and labor, carries with it a rich history. We see the donkey not just as an animal, but as a vessel of cultural memory. Think of Apuleius's "The Golden Ass," where transformation into a donkey symbolizes a journey of degradation and eventual redemption. The donkey is a beast of burden and also, paradoxically, a figure of stubborn resistance. Consider how the image of a donkey contrasts with the spirited stallion, which embodies power and nobility. The donkey evokes a different set of emotions—patience, endurance, and perhaps a touch of melancholy. This resonates deeply, tapping into our collective consciousness. The donkey, despite its humble appearance, represents steadfastness, reminding us that even the smallest creatures play significant roles in the theater of life. Its image, captured here in motion, continues its journey through time.