Mules Harnessed n.d.

Victor Adam created this lithograph, "Mules Harnessed," sometime in the mid-19th century. In it, two mules stand yoked together, ready to haul their cart. Adam was known for his detailed and often romanticized depictions of animals and military scenes. Here, the focus is shifted to the animals themselves, emphasizing their strength, and perhaps, their servitude. Consider the historical context: Mules, the offspring of male donkeys and female horses, were commonly used as working animals, particularly for agricultural labor and transportation. They were valued for their endurance and ability to withstand harsh conditions. But what does it mean to harness such strength for human use? Is there a tension here between admiration and exploitation? What does it say about us, the viewers, that we have turned these animals into objects of labor?