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The Donkey Show
The Donkey Show

The Donkey Show

Artist (Paris, France, 1861 - 1942)
Date1905
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 80.9 cm, Width: 100.2 cm
Frame: Height: 95.6 cm, Width: 114.6 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1963 by the Contemporary Art Society.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG002170
About MeJacques-Emile Blanche played an important role in Anglo-French cultural exchange at the turn of the nineteenth century. His style was influenced by Manet and Whistler and corresponds with 'English Impressionism', which evolved from the French Impressionist movement.

The artist witnessed the scene depicted in The Donkey Show at the 'Annual Festival of Work and Peace' in London's Hyde Park. He was struck by the appearance of the 'pearly' children, whom he portrays as downcast and exhausted. In his memoirs, Blanche adds that the Festival ended in a working class protest demonstration through the streets of "the strongholds of capitalism".

More About Me
Blanche painted these rather sad pearly children at a London Festival of Work and Peace, also noting that it ended with a worker's march protesting against capitalism