Kop van een leeuwin 1866 - 1939

Bernard Willem Wierink created this woodcut depicting a lioness’s head. Wierink was part of a generation of Dutch artists navigating a rapidly changing world. He lived through a time of significant industrial and social transformation. This image invites us to consider the historical context in which animals, particularly powerful predators, were often symbols of colonial power and exoticism. The lioness, in this context, moves beyond a simple animal portrait, evoking the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. The lioness here appears dignified, and intelligent as her gaze meets ours. The choice to portray the animal's head, rather than a full body, places emphasis on her features and expression. This woodcut serves as a reminder of the intricate ways in which art can reflect cultural values, power dynamics, and our relationship with the natural world.