Sculptuur door John Bell, voorstellend een adelaarjager, tentoongesteld op de Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations van 1851 in Londen 1851

This photograph by C.M. Ferrier and F. von Martens captures John Bell’s sculpture, “Eagle Slayer,” which was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. The sculpture is of a nude male archer with his bow raised, standing over a defeated eagle. The archer's pose, the tension in his limbs, and the contrast between his upright posture and the eagle’s collapse below creates a dynamic composition. The curve of the archer's bow arm echoes the angles of his legs, connecting the work through similar shapes and a cohesive structure. This staging of the human body is indicative of the 19th century’s fascination with classical forms and a desire to capture the energy of the moment. The photograph presents a fixed interpretation of the sculpture, and the lighting emphasizes the contours and textures which invite viewers to consider the themes of power, triumph, and the relationship between man and nature. However, these themes are never resolved, leaving the viewer with a sense of ambiguity.