“The Ass in the School” is an allegorical painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, created in 1556. This work is done with pen and Indian ink and is part of the Northern Renaissance art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 23.2 by 30.2 cm. Currently, it is held in the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, located in Berlin, Germany.
The artwork depicts a chaotic classroom scene populated by a rowdy group of students and an ass or donkey that appears to be involved in teaching or mimicking a human pedagogue. The room is filled with disorderly children; some are fighting, sleeping, playing on the floor, or engaged in various forms of mischief and play rather than learning. The teacher’s desk at the front is occupied by the ass, wearing glasses and a book opened before it, humorously illustrating the futility or foolishness of the situation.
This scene is rich with detail and activity, providing a satirical view on education and perhaps the perceived incompetence or inefficacy of teachers or the educational system of the time. Bruegel’s work often included social commentary, using detailed and complex scenes to critique various aspects of 16th century life. The objects scattered around, including books, instruments for writing and corporal punishment, further exaggerate the unruliness and the inversion of the proper order of things. This particular artwork offers a window into Bruegel’s mastery in conveying narrative and moral commentary through his art.
