Donkeys c. 19th century

Curator: Look at these weary souls! I’m taken by this drawing, simply titled “Donkeys,” by Thomas Sidney Cooper, found here at the Harvard Art Museums. There’s a sort of gentle stillness to it. Editor: Yes, the donkeys definitely seem to carry the weight of the world. The donkey as a symbol—Christ rode an ass into Jerusalem, a sign of humility, but also stubbornness, right? Curator: Absolutely! Cooper seems more interested in their quiet strength. Notice how meticulously he renders their fur with these delicate, almost feathery, lines. I imagine he had a real affection for animals. Editor: The composition is clever, too. The way one donkey reclines, forming a base for the others, creates a sense of stability. You almost feel their exhaustion, that shared burden. Curator: It’s a tender observation of the everyday. Editor: A reminder that even in simplicity, there’s profound depth.