Twee ezels 1787 - 1847

Josephus Augustus Knip rendered these two donkeys in delicate strokes. The donkey, often a beast of burden, carries a rich symbolic load. In many cultures, the donkey symbolizes humility and patience. Yet, these animals are more than submissive figures, and their symbolism is complex. In antiquity, the donkey was associated with various gods, sometimes representing fertility. Think of the Golden Ass by Apuleius, where transformation and metamorphosis come to the fore. Interestingly, the donkey also appears in religious contexts, most notably in the Christian tradition where it is associated with Christ's entry into Jerusalem. In our collective memory, the donkey is a paradox, simultaneously embodying stubbornness and faithfulness. These dualities remind us that symbols are never fixed but constantly evolving, shaped by cultural narratives, and imbued with psychological depth.