Drie ijsberen bij het vastgelopen schip, 1596 1615 - 1617

This anonymous engraving from 1596, at the Rijksmuseum, presents a stark scene dominated by contrasts of texture and form. The rough, almost chaotic, lines of the foreground ice give way to the smoother, more ordered lines of the ship stranded in the background. Notice how the artist uses the figure of the polar bear – its fur rendered with a dense network of lines – to draw our eye. The bear's aggressive stance is mirrored by the men wielding spears, creating a dynamic tension. But this tension is not just visual; it speaks to a broader narrative. The image creates meaning through its detailed depiction of the encounter between man and nature. Consider how the meticulous detailing of the ship contrasts with the more generalized rendering of the Arctic landscape, emphasizing the themes of exploration and survival. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, underscoring the precariousness of the situation. This engraving invites us to reflect on humanity's relationship with the natural world.