The scene is shrouded in an ominous darkness, a thick, almost palpable gloom that swallows details and amplifies the sense of dread. A figure, cloaked in black, dominates the composition, their face contorted in a mask of terror. They clutch a small, seemingly empty vessel in one hand, while the other is pressed against their mouth in a gesture of fear. Behind them, spectral apparitions of donkeys loom from the shadows, their presence adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

The artistic technique is masterful; the artist employs a dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) to heighten the emotional impact. The brushstrokes are visible, contributing to the raw, unfiltered quality of the work. The composition is dynamic, the diagonal lines created by the figure's posture leading the eye across the canvas and drawing the viewer into the scene. The limited color palette – primarily blacks, browns, and muted greens – reinforces the feeling of foreboding and mystery.