Hazenpootje 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard etched this study of a 'Hazenpootje,' or hare's foot, sometime before 1833. The foot, severed, takes on a life of its own, rich with symbolic weight that transcends its humble form. Since antiquity, the hare has been a symbol of fertility and vulnerability, often linked to the cycles of nature and resurrection. The foot alone, carried as a talisman, evokes notions of luck and protection, a charm against misfortune. This belief echoes through time, reappearing in various cultures as a token of good fortune. Consider its ancient roots, where animal parts were imbued with magical properties, to its modern, secular adaptation as a lucky charm. Such images engage us on a deeper, subconscious level because they tap into primal fears and hopes. This little token represents a profound connection to our past and a desire to control the uncontrollable aspects of life. Like a recurring dream, it reappears, transformed, yet still potent.