Muilezel en ezel c. 1578 - 1582

"Mule and Donkey" (c. 1578-1582) is an engraving by Philips Galle, a renowned Flemish artist. This artwork, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, depicts a mule and a donkey in a picturesque landscape. Galle's mastery of detail is evident in the intricate rendering of the animals' anatomy and the surrounding scenery. The scene alludes to a classical proverb, highlighting the contrast between the mule's laziness and the donkey's industriousness. Galle's choice of subject matter and his skillful execution make this print a compelling example of 16th-century animal portraiture.