Een hyena, rechts gewend 1744

Johann Elias Ridinger created this engraving of a hyena, titled "Een hyena, rechts gewend" or "A hyena, turned to the right," in the 18th century. It’s a study of an animal observed in a menagerie, revealing the early modern European fascination with exotic wildlife. Ridinger's work provides insight into the era's understanding of the natural world. The hyena, rendered with meticulous detail, stands in a somewhat romanticized landscape, which highlights the intersection of scientific curiosity and artistic interpretation. How do you think the hyena felt, being transported from its natural habitat to become an object of study and display in Europe? Such depictions reflect the power dynamics inherent in exploration and colonization. They also speak to the subjective nature of representation. The hyena, often viewed through a lens of fear or misunderstanding, is presented here with a mix of scientific interest and aesthetic appreciation.