Zittende beer van voren gezien 1664

Marcus de Bye created this print, "Zittende beer van voren gezien," sometime in the 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Golden Age, naturalism in art flourished, often reflecting humanity's relationship with the animal kingdom. The print depicts a bear sitting, facing forward, in a desolate landscape. Two birds fly in the distance, perhaps symbolizing freedom or escape. De Bye’s detailed etching captures the animal's raw power, but also vulnerability. The bear’s gaze meets ours, creating a moment of intimate connection that blurs the lines between observer and observed. It’s worth considering how representations of animals during this time often served as metaphors for human traits. Is the bear a symbol of untamed wilderness, or is it a reflection of something within ourselves? This work serves as a reminder of the complex ways we project our own identities and emotions onto the natural world.