Fight between Bear and Dogs 1703

Dirk Valkenburg painted this canvas, called Fight between Bear and Dogs, sometime around the turn of the 18th century. Here, a bear is caught in the middle of a dog fight, surrounded by the rugged landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. This period was one of immense wealth for the Dutch Republic, fueled by its dominance in international trade. Art became a commodity for the rising merchant class, who wanted paintings that showed off their sophisticated tastes. Animal paintings, like this one, were popular, as they allowed the Dutch to show off their mastery over the natural world. The bear and the dogs are locked in mortal combat, suggesting a fascination with violence and power dynamics. The rocky landscape in the background hints at the exotic, faraway places that the Dutch merchants were exploring and exploiting. The historical context and the imagery it presents can provide insight into the values and attitudes of the Dutch Golden Age. These paintings are valuable historical sources, which require further research into the history of Dutch trade and social values of the period.