Drawing for the primer_ Donkey c. 1905

This ink drawing of a donkey was made by Hans Thoma, and it now lives in the Städel Museum. Look at the beautiful cross-hatching on the donkey’s face and neck. I wonder what Thoma was thinking, creating all those tiny lines to build up the form. It’s as if he’s mapping the contours of the donkey’s face, almost like a topographical survey. I really get a sense of his process, this meticulous and thoughtful application of ink, a real labor of love. The donkey itself seems so peaceful, curled up and resting. You can almost feel the warmth of its body and hear its gentle breathing. It reminds me of other animal drawings, especially those by artists like Dürer, who also captured the essence of their subjects with incredible sensitivity and skill. It is a lovely and endearing piece of art.