Beer, liggend met met tong uit muil 1664

Marcus de Bye etched this image of a bear with its tongue lolling out, sometime in the 17th century. It's a peculiar image, this languid beast, and invites us to ponder the shifting symbolism of the bear across cultures. In many traditions, the bear represents strength and courage, a symbol of untamed wilderness. Yet, here, de Bye presents a bear in repose, almost melancholic. This imagery resonates with ancient depictions of animals in heraldry, where the bear signifies bravery, but also a protective, nurturing quality. Consider the medieval bestiaries, where animals were imbued with moral lessons; our contemporary understanding of animal symbolism has evolved, influenced by shifting cultural values and scientific understanding. The bear, once a symbol of fierce power, can now also evoke vulnerability, reflecting our complex relationship with the natural world. This image, therefore, is more than a mere depiction of an animal; it is a reflection of our changing perceptions, our enduring fascination with symbols, and how these evolve through time.