Ziet kind'ren in deez' prent, een aantal vreemde dieren, / Hun afkomst, hun bestaan, hun wreedheid en manieren 1842 - 1866

This print, made by Jacob Coldewijn in Amsterdam, presents rows of exotic animals, each marked with a peculiar, flame-like shape on its side. The lion, prominently featured, has long been a symbol of power and royalty. From ancient Egypt, where lions guarded tombs, to the heraldic symbols of European nobility, the lion embodies strength and dominion. Notice the gesture: even as it is constrained within this grid, its posture recalls the powerful lion motifs found in ancient Assyrian reliefs, asserting dominance and sovereignty. Yet, here, the inclusion of the mark disrupts this symbolism. It's a curious addition, unsettling the familiar associations. One wonders if it's an attempt to tame the wild, to categorize and control the animal. Perhaps it’s a reminder of our subconscious urge to dominate nature, to brand it with our own mark, a psychological assertion of human power over the animal kingdom. This image isn’t merely a depiction; it's a tableau of the complex relationship between humans and nature.