On a trip to Spain with my father, my mother saw a donkey looking gaunt, sad and very tired.

 

She was moved to tears and felt great pity for it. She always had a soft spot for these gentle beasts of burden as they worked tirelessly, head down serving their masters.

 

When she returned home to Australia, she recaptured the poignancy of its interminable bondage in this painting, hoping it will bring to attention the plight of all beasts of burden who serve us.