Cauchemar (Nightmare) 1895

Valère Bernard created this etching, "Cauchemar," which translates to "Nightmare," sometime in the early 20th century. Bernard, living in a world on the brink of immense social and political change, taps into a primal anxiety in this image. The print depicts a figure overwhelmed by a monstrous toad and entangled by snakes. This isn't just a personal bad dream; it speaks to broader anxieties. The toad, often a symbol of ugliness and the feminine grotesque, sits atop the figure, perhaps representing the weight of societal expectations or fears of the feminine "other." The snakes, historically linked to deceit and temptation, add to this sense of being ensnared by unseen forces. The figure's wide eyes and open mouth convey a raw, visceral fear that transcends time. Bernard uses symbolism to explore themes of power, gender, and the struggle against oppressive forces, tapping into the fears that haunt not just individuals, but entire societies.