Zittende beer, en profil c. 1657 - 1761

Marcus de Bye created this etching of a seated bear in profile. The bear, often a symbol of primal strength and untamed nature, sits in a stark, almost barren landscape. Consider how the figure of the bear has appeared through time, from ancient myths to heraldic symbols. In many cultures, the bear is a totem animal, embodying courage and protection, yet also associated with hibernation and introspection. This duality—fierce power and quiet contemplation—captures a complex set of human emotions and instincts. Think about how children’s teddy bears are employed as a comforting icon—the bear morphs from ferocious beast to a source of reassurance. De Bye’s rendering of the seated bear invites us to reflect on how cultural symbols are not static but are continually reshaped by our collective memory and subconscious desires. The image taps into something primal, evoking a sense of awe and introspection, embodying the cyclical return of symbols that continue to resonate across centuries.