Orso. / Ours. / Bär. / Bear. / Beer 1829 - 1880

This print depicting a bear is by firma Joseph Scholz. The image presents a rich study in contrasts. The bear, rendered in deep browns and blacks, stands out against the lighter background, which is a serene landscape of grays and muted greens. Note how the artist uses linear hatching to define the animal's fur, creating a sense of volume and texture. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the environment, where the rocks and foliage are similarly defined. What we see here is not just a representation of nature, but a carefully constructed composition. The layering of foreground and background, the interplay of light and shadow, and the textural contrasts all work together to create a dynamic visual experience. The artwork invites us to consider how it constructs our understanding of nature. The representation of the animal engages with both its physical presence and the idea of wildness. This bear embodies a set of visual codes that communicate ideas about nature and our place within it. How does this image unsettle fixed ideas about nature and representation? How do we read the landscape in relation to the figure? I encourage you to consider these questions as you explore the exhibit.