Voorstellingen uit het dierenrijk 1856 - 1900

This print, titled "Voorstellingen uit het dierenrijk", presents a catalogue of animals, each neatly framed, capturing the charm of the natural world. Consider the griffin, a creature of myth that embodies a potent mix of lion and eagle. This hybrid beast has traversed centuries, adorning ancient Greek pottery and medieval heraldry, each time imbued with qualities of strength and vigilance. In ancient Crete, the griffin appears in frescoes, acting as a guardian. This motif echoes in later depictions, symbolizing watchfulness, and its appearance in heraldry signifies courage. The griffin's enduring presence speaks to a deep-seated human need to reconcile the animal and the divine. It reveals how symbols evolve, adapt, and reflect the collective psyche of cultures across time.