Beer (Bruun) wordt aangevallen door een menigte c. 1910

Bernard Willem Wierink created this print, titled "Beer (Bruun) wordt aangevallen door een menigte" – or "Bear (Bruun) attacked by a mob" – in the Netherlands. The image depicts a scene of collective violence, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about social order. The bear, likely representing a marginalized figure or outsider, is besieged by an angry mob wielding axes. This imagery speaks to the cultural dynamics of scapegoating, where societal fears and frustrations are projected onto a single, vulnerable target. Looking at the history of Dutch printmaking, we can see traditions of social commentary through popular imagery. It reflects the social structures of its time, potentially critiquing the ease with which communities can turn to violence. Further research into the artist’s life and the cultural context of the Netherlands at the time could reveal deeper layers of meaning. Understanding art requires an appreciation of its contingency on social and institutional contexts.