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The Bear Garden, London (coloured engraving)
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The Bear Garden, London (coloured engraving)
976077 The Bear Garden, London (coloured engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Bear Garden, London. From Hollar.); © Look and Learn
Media ID 25470792
© Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Bankside Bear Baiting Bear Garden Blood Sports Cruelty Southwark Wenceslaus Hollar
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This coloured engraving transports us back to the 17th century, offering a glimpse into the dark and brutal world of bear baiting in London. The Bear Garden, located in Southwark on Bankside, was a notorious venue for this blood sport that entertained crowds seeking excitement and spectacle. The image depicts a scene filled with both anticipation and cruelty. Spectators gather around an enclosed arena, eagerly awaiting the clash between man and beast. A majestic bear stands defiantly in the center, chained and muzzled, its eyes reflecting both fear and resilience. The artist's attention to detail is remarkable; every stroke of the engraving captures not only the physicality of this savage spectacle but also reveals glimpses of British culture during that era. Wenceslaus Hollar's skilled hand brings life to each figure present - from well-dressed gentlemen engrossed in conversation to commoners cheering on their favorite fighters. This print serves as a stark reminder of our complex history, where entertainment often came at the expense of innocent creatures subjected to unimaginable suffering. It prompts reflection on how far we have come as a society in terms of animal welfare. As we gaze upon this historical artifact preserved within private collections today, let it serve as a testament to our progress while reminding us never to forget those who suffered for our amusement centuries ago.
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