Coat of arms Basler Adelberg III of Bear Rock, Lord Arisdorf 1526

Hans Baldung created this coat of arms for Basler Adelberg III of Bear Rock using pen and black ink. Dominating the composition is the figure of the bear itself, the heraldic animal of the Adelberg family, set against a backdrop of elaborate ornamentation. The bear, a symbol of courage and strength, strides confidently, its image harking back to ancient totemic traditions where animals embodied the spirit and characteristics of a clan. Such symbols resonate deeply within our collective memory, evoking primal connections to nature. We see echoes of this symbolic bear in different forms across various cultures: from the cave paintings of our ancestors to the mythic tales of the North, where the bear is revered as a powerful, almost human figure. These recurring motifs serve as visual pathways that connect us with past generations. The bear's symbolism has evolved, shifting from a representation of raw power to a emblem of nobility and lineage. This transformation reflects humanity's ongoing negotiation with its own nature, as we strive to reconcile instinct with intellect.