Performing Bears

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Performing Bears

Playing bears. Date: medieval

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 20158783

© Bubblepunk

Anglo Bear Bears Beating Stick Whip Performing

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> Arts > Art Movements > Medieval Art

> Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images July 2020

EDITORS COMMENTS
This medieval image depicts a lively scene of performing bears, an popular form of entertainment during the Middle Ages in Europe. The two bears, dressed in collars and chains, are shown engaging in a playful performance for an enthralled audience. One bear holds a small stick in its paws, while the other is being gently prodded with a long whip by an unseen trainer, likely hidden from view behind the crowd. The Anglo-Saxon spectators, dressed in clothing typical of the period, are fully immersed in the experience, their faces expressing a mix of awe, amusement, and anticipation. The bears, with their expressive eyes and alert posture, seem to be enjoying the interaction with their human counterparts, adding to the overall sense of joy and wonder. Performing bears were a common sight in medieval Europe, often featured in traveling shows, markets, and fairs. These animals were trained through a combination of positive reinforcement and gentle coaxing, allowing them to perform a variety of tricks and feats. The practice of training and exhibiting performing bears dates back to ancient Rome and Greece, and continued well into the Renaissance period. This photograph, a rare glimpse into the past, offers a fascinating window into the world of medieval entertainment and the unique bond between humans and animals. The image not only showcases the skill and artistry of the trainers, but also highlights the sense of wonder and delight that such performances brought to audiences of the time.

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