Ezel met encyclopedie 1792

Pieter van Woensel created this drawing, “Ezel met encyclopedie,” during an era marked by the rise of encyclopedias and the Enlightenment's emphasis on knowledge. Woensel, who lived through a period of significant social change, uses this image to reflect on the relationship between labor, knowledge, and societal structures. The donkey, burdened with encyclopedias, serves as a potent symbol, highlighting the physical burden of intellectual pursuit. In the context of the 18th century, where access to education and knowledge was often determined by class and gender, the donkey becomes a figure of both labor and quiet resistance. The emotional weight of this image lies in its commentary on the accessibility and distribution of knowledge. Does the image suggest a critique of those who treat knowledge as a burden to be carried rather than a tool for empowerment? The drawing invites us to reflect on the complexities of knowledge dissemination and its effects on individual lives.