A polar bear before 1886

J. Fortuné Nott made this photograph of a polar bear, and mounted it in an album. The image encapsulates the contradictions of early wildlife photography, and raises questions about the cultural institutions through which we view the natural world. In this stark image, a polar bear is seen sitting listlessly behind bars. The bear's gaze is averted, its posture defeated, conveying a sense of captivity and loss. This image would likely have been made in Europe, or North America, locations where zoos were becoming increasingly popular as sites of both entertainment and scientific study. What does it mean to remove an animal from its natural habitat and display it for human consumption? Is this a celebration of nature or a commentary on human dominance? To fully understand this image, we might research the history of zoos, animal rights movements, and the evolving relationship between humans and the natural world. Art like this is a powerful tool for reflecting on our values, institutions, and impact on the planet.