Home > Arts > Artists > L > William Lee
The Dancing Bear
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Dancing Bear
This painting shows a crowd of people watching a dancing bear, bound with a muzzle and chains, travelling along a cobbled street. Date: circa 1917
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 32256738
© CLM Archive Collection / Mary Evans
Bear Bound Chains Cobbled Hankey Muzzle Travelling Watching Shows Volume
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> L
> William Lee
> Arts
> Literature
> Magazines
> Arts
> Portraits
> Pop art gallery
> Street art portraits
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images July 2023
> Popular Themes
> Dance
EDITORS COMMENTS
This painting, titled "The Dancing Bear," dates back to circa 1917 and offers a glimpse into a bygone era. The image depicts a crowd of onlookers gathered on a cobbled street, their eyes fixed on a traveling spectacle: a dancing bear. The bear, bound with heavy chains and a muzzle, performs for the amused and curious crowd, its movements controlled by an unseen handler. The scene is rendered in rich, vibrant colors, capturing the textures of the cobblestones, the intricate patterns of the onlookers' clothing, and the glint of the bear's fur under the sunlight. The painting is from the September volume of "William Lee Hankey's March of the Women" collection, a series of illustrations that documented social and political events during the early 20th century. The presence of the dancing bear, a common sight in European streets during this time, raises questions about animal welfare and the ethical implications of using animals for entertainment. The painting serves as a poignant reminder of a time when such practices were considered acceptable, and invites us to reflect on the progress made in animal rights and welfare. Despite the controversial subject matter, the painting is a testament to the power of art to capture and preserve historical moments, and to spark important conversations about societal norms and values.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.