Titelvignet met beer en wolven c. 1910

Bernard Willem Wierink made this vignette with beer and wolves from an unknown material. It's a little nutty, right? I mean, what's going on with that crowned bear? The mark-making here is so precise and deliberate. It's all about capturing details and textures. The wolves look regal, almost like heraldic symbols. But then there's that bear, kind of goofy. The density of the printmaking creates a rich surface. The color palette is earthy, with these muted browns that feel aged and historical. I love how the fine lines create a sense of depth and complexity. Check out the little details on the frame and the bear’s fur, how do they make you feel? This reminds me of some outsider art. It's got this raw, almost childlike quality. It seems Wierink is having fun with some storytelling through the use of animals as allegorical or symbolic images. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be serious. Sometimes, it's just about having a laugh and making something strange and wonderful.