Bjørnejagt 1792 - 1831

Christian David Gebauer created this oil on canvas painting, called "Bear Hunt," sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century in Denmark. The image depicts a bear being attacked by a pack of dogs. The painting can be understood within the context of the Romantic movement. It emphasizes dramatic scenes of nature. But it also alludes to the social order of the time. Hunting was a popular pastime among the aristocracy, and paintings of hunting scenes served to reinforce their status and power. The bear, as a symbol of untamed nature, is here being brought under control. This no doubt resonated with the social elite who saw themselves as bringing order and civilization to the world. To fully appreciate this work, we might explore the historical context of hunting practices in Denmark and the role of the aristocracy in shaping cultural values. Art historical research relies on understanding such socio-political contexts in order to better interpret the meaning and significance of art.