De ijsbeer 1894 - 1959

This polar bear was created by Gordinne using, it looks like, lithography, maybe sometime in the early 20th century. I love the way the artist approached the depiction of the polar bear; you can tell it's a process of layering different shades of grey to build the form and texture of the fur. It’s like watching the bear materialize from the ice itself. Looking at the texture, the lithographic lines are so fine, creating a subtle, almost fuzzy effect on the bear's coat. See how the light catches on the upper half of the bear, giving it a three-dimensional quality? I also love how the artist paid attention to the small details, like the dark eyes and the shadows beneath its paws, rooting it to the spot. This print reminds me a bit of early scientific illustrations, where there's an attempt to document and understand the natural world, but also, you can still sense the artist's hand and imagination at play. It’s a really cool blend of observation and artistry.