"Statuarius" 1731 - 1802

This drawing titled "Statuarius", depicts a scene with potent symbols. Observe the bust of a donkey atop a classical pillar, flanked by figures in what appears to be a classical setting. The donkey, often associated with foolishness, becomes a totem, placed in a position of honor, challenging classical ideals of beauty and wisdom. The motif of the ass has surfaced throughout history, from Apuleius' "The Golden Ass" to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," where Bottom is transformed. In each instance, the donkey embodies the base instincts and primal urges lurking beneath the surface of civilization. The artist, by placing the donkey bust at the center of the composition, taps into a collective memory, a shared understanding of the donkey as a symbol of human folly. This subversion of classical norms may be intended to provoke a psychological response, challenging our assumptions about power, intellect, and the very nature of artistic representation. Through the ages, its essence remains, a testament to the enduring power of symbols to adapt, provoke, and mirror our evolving human condition.