Dieren-galerij 1875 - 1903

Here we see Jan de Haan's "Dieren-Galerij," a print featuring a collection of animals rendered with an eye for both scientific accuracy and symbolic weight. Observe how the lion, the traditional king of beasts, is depicted holding its prey: in ancient iconography, this act signified not only power but also dominion, a symbol seen in heraldry and royal emblems across many cultures. This motif echoes through time, from Mesopotamian reliefs to Renaissance paintings. It evokes deep, primal reactions, linking the viewer to fundamental power structures. Consider also the figure of the camel. As a beast of burden, it symbolizes endurance and resilience, qualities celebrated in desert cultures and beyond. The camel appears in various forms throughout history, from ancient trade routes to modern-day emblems of survival. This print captures a moment, yet the symbols within resonate with a rich and complex past, continuously reshaping our understanding of nature and culture.