Bear cries out, Reynard hidden in bushes c. 17th century

Curator: Allart van Everdingen's etching, "Bear cries out, Reynard hidden in bushes," presents a captivating scene. Editor: It's small, no bigger than my hand, but the raw emotion of the bear is immediately compelling. The stark contrasts give it a dramatic feel. Curator: The image taps into a broader tradition of animal fables, where animals become symbols of human follies and virtues. Here, the crying bear evokes vulnerability. Editor: And the material itself—etching—allowed for detailed lines that really highlight the texture of the fur and the rugged landscape. How was this consumed, do you think? Curator: Prints like these were often part of larger suites, telling a narrative, or collected individually. The bear’s cry might symbolize injustice or loss, depending on the viewer's interpretation. Editor: It's fascinating how such a small, relatively inexpensive object could carry so much symbolic weight and be widely disseminated. Curator: It truly is. Etchings like this one remind us of the power of images to communicate complex ideas. Editor: Exactly, and to see the bear rendered with such care using, relatively simple tools is quite remarkable.