De dierentent 1876 - 1897

Albert Quantin produced this print titled 'De dierentent', or 'The Animal Tent' some time during his career as an imagery artist. He lived from 1850 to 1933. In this vibrant print, Quantin presents a series of scenes depicting the spectacle and chaos of a traveling animal show. These scenes likely capture the zeitgeist of a society fascinated by the exotic. This was a period in which colonial expansion fueled the imagination. Each panel reveals a complex dynamic between humans and animals. We see everything from trained tigers performing for an audience to scenes of apparent escape. The juxtaposition of entertainment and potential danger invites us to reflect on the ethical dimensions of animal captivity. The imagery presents a mix of wonder and concern, mirroring the era's evolving attitudes towards animals and their place within society. It allows us to consider our relationship to the natural world and our role in its preservation.