Een ezel krijgt een hoefijzer 1775 - 1833

This pencil drawing, made by Jean Bernard, presents a scene dominated by muted tones and a study in contrasts. The composition is divided between the grounded stability of the donkey and the dynamic posture of the figure tending to its hoof. Bernard masterfully uses line to define form and texture. The donkey's fur is rendered with short, brisk strokes, conveying a sense of volume. The human figure, caught in the act of labor, is depicted with heavier lines that emphasize the strain and effort. The placement of the figures creates a visual dialogue about labor, care, and the relationship between humans and animals. The donkey, tethered yet central, is both a subject of care and an emblem of the labor it performs. In the context of its time, this drawing reflects a broader engagement with representing rural life. The drawing invites us to consider the dignity of labor and the intrinsic value of all beings, challenging viewers to reconsider hierarchies of value and representation.