Theodor de Bry (1560-1623) and Johann Israel de Bry (1565-1609), Part III, Plate 43, Two Bears which Approached the Ship and what Happened to Them

Johann Theodor de Bry (1560-1623) and Johann Israel de Bry (1565-1609). Part III, Plate 43, Two Bears which Approached the Ship and what Happened to Them. Plate XLIII, Bon zween Baren welche fich zu un serem schiff From the "Little Voyages"Published: Frankfurt, 1599 (first edition)Engraving with original, early 17th century hand color heightened with gold on laid paperPaper size: 11 1/2 x 7 3/4 in. POLAR BEARS ATTACK THE CREW This illustration shows the Dutch familiarizing themselves with what would be their habitat for the coming months about two weeks after their ship became ice-bound. Around September 11, 1596 the Dutch decided to build a house in order to survive. The ship itself provided no resistance to the cold and the aggressive bears. They wanted to build a log cabin but the ship must remain spared. Luck was on their side, wood had been washed ashore nearby from more forested areas, good for building a house but also for building fires. On September 15 the men were busy haulin