Twee muilezels 1632 - 1653

Karel du Jardin made this drawing, titled "Two Mules," with pen in the Netherlands, sometime in the mid-17th century. We see two mules standing in a field, each carrying a load. In 17th-century Dutch art, images of everyday life became increasingly popular. This drawing reflects the growing interest in depicting the world around us. But this wasn't just about showing things as they were; it was also about creating a sense of national identity and pride in Dutch commerce. The mules here seem to be working animals, perhaps used for transporting goods. We can learn more about the economic activities and the social classes involved in the transport industry in the Netherlands at this time through municipal records and guild archives. This drawing not only represents these mules, it tells us something about the society in which it was made.