Black Bear, from Quadrupeds series (N41) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is an image of a Black Bear, part of the Quadrupeds series by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. It presents a juxtaposition of scenes: above, a horse-drawn sleigh carries figures across a snowy landscape; below, a black bear devours its bloody prey. The bear, a symbol of primal strength and untamed nature, is juxtaposed against a tamed nature, represented by the sleigh. We see this motif echoed through time, from the myth of Artemis, the Greek goddess associated with the hunt and wild animals, to the medieval bestiaries, where animals were imbued with symbolic, often moralizing, traits. Here, the bear feeding taps into our primal subconscious, stirring feelings of fear, and awe. Consider the recurring motif of the hunt, here indirectly displayed, whether as a noble pursuit or a brutal necessity, it raises questions about civilization and our place within the natural order. The motif has continued to evolve, resurfacing in various forms throughout history, each time reflecting a new layer of human experience and understanding.