Study of a Donkey Under a Tree after 1796

George Morland sketched this donkey resting under a tree, capturing a moment of serene repose. The donkey, an age-old symbol of burden and labor, finds solace in the shade, a universal motif of refuge and rest. Consider how the image of the donkey, laden with symbolism, echoes across time. We see the donkey in religious art, bearing witness to Christ's entry into Jerusalem, and in folklore, representing stubbornness or humility. This humble beast, often overlooked, has been a silent participant in our cultural narrative, its image imbued with layers of meaning through the ages. Even in this simple drawing, there is a certain psychological depth to the image. It is a reminder of our shared desire for rest, a moment of peace away from the weight of our daily toil. The essence of this image lies in its enduring appeal, a reminder that, like the donkey, we too seek respite under the shelter of life's trials, a cycle of labor and rest that transcends time.