Fabel van de panter en de herders 1769

Simon Fokke created this print, “Fabel van de panter en de herders,” at an unknown date. The fable illustrates an encounter between shepherds and a panther. But what does this encounter really tell us? Prints like this, circulating in the 18th century, played a significant role in shaping societal views, embedding cultural norms and power dynamics. Here, we see a group of men united, armed, and ready to defend themselves against a wild animal, reinforcing a narrative of man versus nature, and implicitly, civilization versus the wild. The image speaks to the fear of the 'other' and the perceived need to control and dominate, ideas deeply entrenched in colonial narratives and the subjugation of marginalized communities. The act of stoning the panther is not just about self-preservation; it's about asserting dominance and maintaining a social hierarchy where the 'civilized' shepherd is superior to the 'wild' animal. This fable then becomes a lens through which we can examine the values and biases of 18th-century Dutch society. It prompts us to question the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, who we fear, and who we seek to control.