Et æsel med sit føl 1857

Editor: We're looking at "Et Æsel med sit Føl" by Johannes Wilhelm Zillen, made in 1857. It appears to be a pencil and engraving depicting a donkey with its foal. It strikes me as such a tender, almost melancholic scene. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: What I find compelling here is how this seemingly simple depiction resonates with broader socio-political currents of the 19th century. Donkeys, often symbols of burden and labour, were central to agrarian economies. Consider the power dynamics embedded in human-animal relations and the often-invisible contributions of working animals to societal progress. Where might this image fit within larger discourses of labour, class, and animal rights in Zillen's time? Editor: I never thought about it in terms of labour and class. So, the choice of a donkey, instead of, say, a horse, is significant? Curator: Absolutely. The donkey embodies the working class, the unsung heroes, and invites us to question hierarchies. Look at the intimate bond between mother and child. How does this image challenge or reinforce prevailing ideas about motherhood and care within specific socio-economic strata? Editor: That makes me think about the role of women in the workforce during that period as well... Curator: Precisely! What other visual cues do you notice that might hint at underlying narratives of exploitation or resilience? Think about the landscape, their posture, the medium itself. Editor: The landscape is sparse, almost barren, emphasizing their isolation, maybe even their hardship. It definitely encourages me to view this work through a different lens. Curator: Exactly! Art is rarely just art; it's a conversation, a critique, a reflection of the times, and in this instance a gentle, poignant socio-political reflection. Editor: This really gives me a fresh perspective, it's fascinating to unpack these hidden meanings. I now appreciate the depth a simple drawing like this can hold.