It is perhaps their raggedy and forlorn appearance that give composite animals their charm. You can read about the history and manufacturing process in a previous post here. This donkey, found at the Porte de Vanves Flea Market today in among a pile of toy soldiers, was too inexpensive to leave among his more violent brethren. He reminds me of the tale of Napoleon's journey through the alps. While Jacques-Louis David's flattering painting of the event shows the emperor on a rearing white stallion, the true steed, a mule, was depicted later by Hippolyte Delaroche to mixed reviews.
He's perfect!
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