De beer en de dieven 1876 - 1890

Victor A. Poirson’s lithograph, “De beer en de dieven,” presents a narrative across eight panels, reflecting late 19th-century social dynamics through the lens of a fable. This work is interesting because it uses animals and the trope of thieves to talk about social inequalities, and racial stereotypes in a roundabout way. The figures of the thieves, rendered with exaggerated features, might evoke the racist caricatures. Each panel advances a story where a bear foils a robbery, turning the tables on the would-be criminals. This could be seen as an allegory of social justice or, perhaps, a commentary on the disruption of the social order. The bear becomes a symbol of unexpected power, challenging assumptions about who holds authority. This is a cultural moment marked by evolving ideas about identity and societal roles. The artwork ultimately serves as a mirror, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of a society grappling with questions of fairness, identity, and the shifting sands of power.