Studies van een ezel 1545 - 1612

Federico Barocci rendered these Studies of a Donkey using graphite. The donkey, laden with burdens, carries a rich symbolic weight. In ancient times, it was a symbol of patience and humility. One recalls Apuleius’s *The Golden Ass*, where a man’s transformation into a donkey reveals the beast as a carrier of both wisdom and folly. Yet, the image of the donkey transforms through time. From its humble role in biblical narratives, such as Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, to its appearance in medieval bestiaries as a symbol of ignorance or stubbornness, the donkey’s symbolism is multifaceted. Consider how the stoic posture of the donkey may touch upon our collective memory, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The donkey is a testament to our continuous struggle with burdens, both literal and metaphorical. Thus, the donkey emerges as an archetype, an image forever imprinted in the cultural memory of humanity.