Ezel bij hek 1808 - 1881

Eugène Verboeckhoven created this print of a donkey at a fence, using etching. Verboeckhoven, who lived from the late 1700s to the late 1800s, situated himself within the shifting dynamics of post-revolutionary Europe. He gained recognition as an animal painter within the context of the rise of both the middle class and nationalist sentiments, which intersect in his artistic choices. The donkey, an animal often associated with labor and the working class, is depicted here with a certain dignity, its gaze steady and calm. The image has a quiet emotional resonance, inviting empathy for the animal. Consider how the burgeoning national identity influenced the way artists chose their subjects, often turning to rural or pastoral themes that celebrated local landscapes and traditions. Verboeckhoven’s choice to depict a common animal like a donkey may reflect an interest in representing everyday life, elevating the ordinary to a subject worthy of artistic attention.