separateurCreated with Sketch.

The “holiest” animal in art?

DONKEY,ASS
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Aleteia Image Department - published on 12/22/17
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative

Photo of the Day: December 22, 2017

Help Aleteia continue its mission by making a tax-deductible donation. In this way, Aleteia’s future will be yours as well.


Donate with just 3 clicks

*Your donation is tax deductible!

In much of art, the lowly donkey has received a high place in Christian tradition: carrying Mary into Bethlehem, Mary and the Child on the flight to Egypt, and Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. As the durable, short-legged animal represents humility, patience and the servant of the poor, it does seem a logical choice. While it may never be known for sure, and the Scriptures do not backup all of the claims, artists’ speculation certainly paints the humble donkey as the beast of choice for holy journeys.

Photograph by Budmir Jevtic | Shutterstock

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Aleteia exists thanks to your donations

Help us to continue our mission of sharing Christian news and inspiring stories. Please make a donation today! Take advantage of the end of the year to get a tax deduction for 2024.