Campagnol staaende ved sin hest. Forneden en tiggermunk stående ved sit æsel 1845

This ink drawing by Johan Thomas Lundbye depicts a mounted farmhand above a monk with his donkey. Note the contrast between the horse and donkey, symbols deeply embedded in our cultural psyche. The horse, a classical symbol of virility and power, has been tamed by man; it is a recurring motif throughout art history, from the equestrian statues of Roman emperors to Delacroix’s revolutionary steeds. The donkey, burdened with baskets, contrasts sharply with the horse’s elevated status. The donkey, long associated with humility and patience, bears a mark on its forehead. It evokes the Christian narrative of Christ's entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, as well as the donkey's association with saints, like Saint Francis, known for their humility and closeness to the poor. Lundbye subtly evokes the viewer's subconscious, inviting us to contemplate the cultural weight of these ancient animal symbols. It makes us aware of the subtle but powerful forces that engage us on a deep, subconscious level.