Liggende beer, van achter, de kop omhoog 1664

Marcus de Bye created this print, "Liggende beer, van achter, de kop omhoog," using etching techniques. Our attention is immediately captured by the bear, which is situated prominently in the composition. But what does it mean? The bear, across cultures, symbolizes introspection and a connection to the wild. De Bye's bear makes me think of earlier depictions of animals from medieval bestiaries, where animals embodied human qualities. I am reminded of similar images of animals in heraldry, where their attributes are used to convey certain qualities. This symbol is a recurring motif that persists through time. Observe how the bear is depicted with its head raised, perhaps indicating a state of alert. This image evokes primal feelings tied to the unconscious and cultural memory that invite reflection. In this way, the image resonates in modern times because the symbol of the bear is a potent reminder of nature, strength, and inner reflection. It is an animal whose image, charged with meaning, echoes through the corridors of history, continually renewed by our subconscious recognition.