Grazende ezel, van links 1750 - 1809

David Alphonse de Sandoz-Rollin created this delicate drawing of a grazing donkey using pen and watercolor. Working in the late 18th century, Sandoz-Rollin occupied a unique position as a Swiss artist deeply involved in the artistic and intellectual circles of his time. During this period, the pastoral aesthetic was highly favored, often romanticizing rural life. But here, there is a quiet simplicity in the way he captures the animal's form and its interaction with the earth. The donkey, often a symbol of labor, is rendered with an emotional resonance. Consider how Sandoz-Rollin might be reflecting on the value of labor, or perhaps commenting on the relationship between humans and animals. The artwork invites us to reflect on our connections to the natural world and to consider the stories of labor and life. It is a subtle reminder of the complexities embedded in the seemingly simple scenes of everyday life.