Hyena c. 1580 - 1590

This delicate etching of a hyena was made by Jacques de Fornazeris in the early 17th century. The hyena, a creature often misunderstood, appears here not just as an animal, but as a vessel of complex symbolism. Its presence taps into a deep well of cultural anxieties and fascinations. Historically, the hyena has been associated with scavenging, cunning, and even grave robbing. In many cultures, it embodies the darker aspects of nature and human behavior. It has been seen as a creature of the liminal spaces, dwelling between life and death. Echoes of this association resonate through the ages, from ancient bestiaries to medieval folklore, where the hyena often appears as a harbinger of misfortune. Consider how such imagery might affect our subconscious. The hyena becomes more than just an animal; it’s a screen onto which we project our fears and anxieties, our repressed desires and societal taboos. This engraving is a powerful reminder of how images can engage us on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical progression of the hyena symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.