Æslet. Nr. 4 i Chr. Winther og M. Rørbye, "25 Billeder for små børn" 1846

Adolph Kittendorff created this print, titled "Æslet," as part of a series for young children, in collaboration with Christian Winther and M. Rørbye. Looking at this scene, we see children in a landscape with a working animal that carries the burdens. The image brings forth questions about labor and leisure, and who gets to enjoy which. The child with the flute has time for music, whereas the other appears tired, in the prone position. The donkey, central to the composition, stands laden with goods. Consider how class is subtly represented through these figures and their interactions with the donkey. Does this artwork perpetuate traditional roles, or does it offer a critique? The emotions evoked here are complex, mixing a pastoral idyll with the realities of work.