A Bear Hunt
1750
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1750
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
You see a hunter with a dog chasing a bear through a snowy forest. The bear looks calm, almost curious. The trees are thin and bare, with just enough detail to set a chilly mood. This etching was made in 1757, the same year the artist died. It’s rare because it’s a proof—an early test print. Proofs often show the artist’s hand more clearly than final prints. Want to see how prints evolve? Look up etching.
