Groep wolven voor een liggende leeuw (Nobel) en leeuwin (Gentel) 1910

Bernard Willem Wierink created this print called 'Group of wolves in front of a reclining lion (Nobel) and lioness (Gentel)' using etching. During the late 19th century, the Netherlands was experiencing a period of cultural and political transformation, grappling with industrialization and the rise of nationalist sentiments. Wierink, working within this context, taps into the prevailing interest in folklore and national identity. This image is taken from the medieval allegory Reynard the Fox, where animals take on human characteristics to satirize society. The lions, symbols of royalty, sit regally as the wolves present their case. But the positioning of the wolves—below and subservient—suggests a rigid social hierarchy, questioning the very notion of justice and fairness. Are the wolves truly seeking justice, or simply reinforcing existing power structures? The contrast between the powerful lions and the seemingly meek wolves invites reflection on the dynamics of power, justice, and social order.