I fara för sälar 1906

John Bauer created "I fara för sälar" which translates to "In danger of seals" at the turn of the 20th century, a period of significant change and growing nationalism in Sweden. The image depicts a dramatic scene where two birds fly above a seal emerging from the turbulent sea. Bauer's artistic identity was profoundly shaped by his deep engagement with Swedish folklore and nature. His personal experiences and beliefs are interlaced with the cultural narratives of his time. Bauer often explored the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, and how folklore and fairytales could maintain or develop cultural understandings. The image evokes a sense of unease, a vulnerability felt by the seal as it navigates a dangerous environment. It is a scene of vulnerability in the wild that resonates with us. Bauer's work encourages reflection on our relationship with the environment.