Fabel van de beer en de twee metgezellen 1758

"Fabel van de beer en de twee metgezellen" (The Fable of the Bear and the Two Companions) is a 1758 etching by German artist Johann Heinrich Meil. The detailed engraving depicts a bear encountering two travelers in a forested setting, one lying prone on the ground while the other is climbing a tree to escape the dangerous animal. The scene is a classic example of 18th-century illustration, capturing a narrative through its precise detail and focus on naturalistic portrayal. Meil's skill in capturing the moment of interaction, the dramatic tension, and the natural world elevates this artwork beyond a simple book illustration.