Muldyr belæsset med tynde træstammer og fulgt af driveren 1845

Johan Thomas Lundbye created this drawing of a mule laden with wood, accompanied by its driver, in Italy in 1845. Lundbye was a Danish artist who travelled to Italy and this work offers us insight into the socio-economic conditions of rural life in Italy at that time. The drawing depicts a common scene of a mule being used for manual labour, transporting wood, which gives us a glimpse into the everyday lives of the working class in 19th-century Italy. The relationship between man and animal shows the reliance on animals for transportation and labour in that era. It reflects the social conditions and economic structures that shaped the lives of ordinary people. To truly understand this artwork, we need to research the cultural context of 19th-century Italy, delving into its economic history, social hierarchies, and the role of animals in daily life. By consulting historical records, personal accounts, and studies on rural economies, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the realities captured in this drawing.