Berenjacht c. 1630

"Berenjacht" or "Bear Hunt" was etched by Bartholomeus van Lochom in the 17th century, a period marked by the Dutch Golden Age. This print offers a window into the aristocratic pastimes of the era, specifically the spectacle of hunting. The image reveals a highly orchestrated event; a mounted hunter with a spear is supported by men on foot and hunting dogs driving a bear towards a concealed net. The scene is less about wilderness and more about the demonstration of power, control and dominance over nature, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. While seemingly a harmless depiction of a hunt, it also speaks to broader themes of human versus nature, and the ways in which social elites showcased their status through activities that were often inaccessible to the lower classes. It also hints at the complex relationship between humans and animals, portraying both the thrill of the chase and the inevitable capture. The emotional resonance of this scene—the excitement, the violence, the display of power—continues to provoke reflection on our relationship with the natural world.