This might seem strange at first, but it makes sense when you consider the original use of easels:
* Early easels were often made from the back of a donkey. The animal would be positioned with its back facing the artist, creating a stable platform for the painting.
* Later, the word "esel" evolved into "easel" to refer to the actual stand used for painting, even when it wasn't associated with a donkey.
So, next time you see an easel, think of its humble beginnings - a trusty donkey providing a platform for artistic creation!