Vrouw bij een ezelkar c. 1886 - 1934

Isaac Israels sketched "Vrouw bij een ezelkar," or "Woman with a donkey cart," using a pencil. Observe the humble donkey, a beast of burden, pulling the cart. This echoes images found as far back as ancient Egypt, where donkeys were essential for transporting goods. Yet, in the Christian tradition, the donkey is also the animal that carried Mary into Bethlehem and Jesus into Jerusalem, imbuing it with symbolism of humility and peace. In contrast, consider the horse, often associated with nobility and war. The choice of a donkey, therefore, speaks volumes about the everyday life Israels depicts. This humble image carries a quiet power, reminding us that history is not only made by kings and generals but also by the ordinary people and animals who silently bear the weight of the world.