Drie ezels achter een schutting - Johannes Hubertus Leonardus de Haas

A detailed graphite study of three donkeys by Dutch artist Johannes Hubertus Leonardus de Haas, capturing the texture and character of the animals.

Johannes Hubertus Leonardus de Haas was a Dutch painter and draughtsman associated with the Hague School, a group of artists known for their focus on atmospheric conditions and rural life. This graphite study demonstrates his technical proficiency in capturing animal anatomy and texture. The composition features three donkeys positioned behind a wooden fence, their heads clustered together in a manner that suggests a quiet, observational moment.

The artist employs varied pencil strokes to differentiate the coarse hair of the animals from the smooth, horizontal grain of the wooden barrier. The use of shading around the muzzles and ears provides a sense of volume, while the simple bridles and tassels add a touch of domestic detail to the scene. De Haas was particularly recognised for his depictions of cattle and donkeys, often working in a style that prioritised naturalistic observation over idealisation.

In this work, the focus remains entirely on the subjects. The background is kept minimal, allowing the viewer to concentrate on the expressions and physical characteristics of the donkeys. The drawing reflects the broader interest of nineteenth-century Dutch artists in the daily realities of farm life and the animals that inhabited that world. By choosing a close-up perspective, the artist invites a direct engagement with the animals, capturing a sense of stillness that is characteristic of his wider body of work. The signature at the bottom right confirms the attribution to De Haas, whose career spanned the latter half of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. This print offers a clear view of his draughtsmanship, showing how he used light and shadow to define form without the need for colour.