Overvallen door ijsberen bij het laden van de sleden, 1596 1598

This small print, made in 1596 by an anonymous artist, depicts a dramatic encounter between Dutch explorers and polar bears in the Arctic. The image is made with the technique of engraving, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. The stark contrast of black lines on white paper creates a sense of immediacy. It speaks to the process of laborious labor and the dangers faced by these early explorers. The scene depicts the moment when the explorers, busy with their work of loading sleds, are suddenly attacked by polar bears. Notice the chaos and panic in the figures' gestures and expressions. The print serves as a historical document, capturing a pivotal moment in the history of exploration and trade. It also speaks to the dangers of resource extraction, and the impact of human activity on fragile environments. This image is more than just a record of an event. It’s a testament to the power of simple materials and techniques to convey complex narratives about labor, survival, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.