Bizon 1764 - 1784

This is Simon Fokke’s "Bizon," an etching from the 18th century. The animal dominates the composition, its form filling the vertical space. Note how Fokke uses line and shading to create a sense of volume and texture, particularly in the bison’s fur, where the contrast between light and dark evokes a tactile quality. This attention to detail situates the artwork within a broader scientific and cultural context. Observe the bizon's gaze, as if it has been captured within the moment. This gives the image a life-like quality. Yet, the etching is not merely representational; the bison's sturdy, static posture conveys power. Fokke's "Bizon" exemplifies how formal elements can converge to embody Enlightenment ideals of observation and classification. The etching is a cultural artifact, reflecting the period's attempts to understand and categorize the natural world.