Who painted Head of a donkey?

Head of a donkey was painted by Thomas Sidney Cooper in 1850.

Where can I see Head of a donkey?

Head of a donkey is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Head of a donkey

Head of a donkey is a drawing by Thomas Sidney Cooper. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Sidney Cooper’s 1850 pencil drawing presents a solitary donkey’s head rendered in monochrome. The composition isolates the animal against an unadorned white surface, directing attention to the nuanced expression captured in the study. Though modest in scale, the work exemplifies Cooper’s interest in animal subjects and his facility with drawing as a preparatory medium.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait concentrates on the donkey’s facial features: a dark, rounded eye, tapered ears, and a subtly textured coat. By limiting the image to the head, Cooper emphasizes the creature’s individuality and temperament, inviting viewers to consider the often overlooked dignity of a humble farm animal.

Technique & Style

Executed with graphite, the drawing employs loose, gestural lines that suggest a rapid, observational approach. Light hatching conveys the softness of the donkey’s fur, while the stark white background eliminates distraction. The sketch-like quality indicates a study rather than a polished finish, highlighting Cooper’s skill in capturing form with economy of mark.

History & Provenance

Created in 1850, the piece belongs to the early period of Cooper’s career when he produced numerous animal studies to support larger oil compositions. The work has remained within private collections, occasionally appearing in exhibitions focused on 19th‑century British animal draughtsmanship.