Muldyr. Italien 1883

Theodor Philipsen made this sketch, "Muldyr. Italien," of a mule's head while in Italy. Philipsen, living from 1840 to 1920, was deeply engaged in the artistic and political currents of his time. As an artist, he transitioned from national romanticism to impressionism, capturing the changing landscapes and social scenes around him. Philipsen's work often reflects a sensitivity to the lives of rural people and animals. In this drawing, the mule’s weary eye and drooping ears convey a sense of the animal’s labor. Historically, mules were essential to rural economies, embodying both utility and a certain stubbornness. Philipsen’s choice to depict this animal, in this way, invites us to consider the relationships between humans and animals, labor and value. This sketch may appear simple, but it subtly acknowledges the lives of working animals and their place in the Italian landscape.