Reproductie van een gravure uit De Lotgevallen van Ferdinand Huyck door David Bles before 1892

This print, a reproduction of an engraving from "The Adventures of Ferdinand Huyck" by David Bles, captures a scene laden with symbols of social life. Note the presence of the donkey, a figure of stubbornness and foolishness, paraded through the village. This motif has roots stretching back to antiquity, reappearing in numerous folk traditions and satirical prints. It often symbolizes the inversion of social order, a world turned upside down. Think of similar depictions in carnival celebrations, where donkeys mock the high and mighty. The expressions on the faces of the jeering crowd, frozen in the print, reveal the power of collective emotions. The ritual of public ridicule is a potent force, engaging our subconscious awareness of social norms and the fear of transgression. The symbol of the donkey evolves and resurfaces throughout history. It’s a potent reminder of how symbols adapt, carrying cultural memory through the ages, ever shifting in meaning.