The Thieves and the Donkey, from "L'Artiste" 1844 - 1854

Alphonse-Charles Masson created this print, titled "The Thieves and the Donkey," sometime in the mid-19th century. Our eyes are drawn to the brutal, primal act of one man carrying another, perhaps injured or lifeless, in his arms. This motif echoes across time, from images of pietà to depictions of battles and rescues. In ancient Greek art, we see similar poses representing heroism and vulnerability. Think of Achilles carrying the fallen body of Patroclus, a gesture of both grief and defiance against fate. The vulnerability of the carried figure speaks to a universal human experience: the fear of helplessness and the need for protection. This image taps into our collective memory, evoking empathy and unease, reminding us of our shared mortality and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. Masson masterfully captures this timeless drama, inviting us to reflect on the enduring power of human connection amidst chaos and vulnerability.