After an anonymous woodcut (possibly by Dürer) in Sebastian Brant's Narrenschiff, Basel, 1494. One of the great themes in Renaissance literature is that of over-reaching ambition, for example, the tragedy of Macbeth, who tries to avoid his fate. This humorous treatment shows foolish men turning into asses because of this sin. The most complete ass has a crown. They fail to understand that the Wheel of Fortune is turned by the hand of God; they will all end up in the grave with the rest of us, as the coffin and open grave awaiting them signify.

A limited edition (250) linoleum block print.