Berenjacht 1622 - 1653

Gillis Peeters created this etching titled ‘Berenjacht’ - or bear hunt - sometime in the first half of the 17th century. The composition of the scene is immediately striking, full of movement, and centered on the chaotic struggle between a bear and a pack of dogs. Peeters masterfully uses line and form to create a sense of depth and action. The etching’s dense cross-hatching defines the texture of fur, foliage and musculature. The dogs encircle the large bear which suggests a kind of semiotic interpretation, with the circle representing enclosure. This entrapment emphasizes themes of domination and the natural world. The trees provide a natural frame that draws your eye to the dynamic interaction between the animals. The tension between the wildness of nature and human intervention is palpable. This interaction destabilizes the traditional view of humanity's relationship with nature, prompting a deeper reflection on these power dynamics. Remember, art is not static; its meanings evolve as we engage with it.