Löwen und Hunde überfallen zwei Hirsche und ein Schwein 

This is a pen and ink drawing by Frans Snyders, depicting lions and dogs attacking two deer and a pig. Snyders was a Flemish artist working in the 17th century, a period when the social hierarchy was rigid and hunting was an aristocratic privilege. Images of the hunt such as this, were more than just depictions of animals, they were often allegories of power and dominance. Snyders worked for the elite, and this drawing might reflect the brutal realities of power in his time, with the strong preying on the weak. It's not merely a scene of nature but a commentary on the social order, where certain groups, like the aristocracy, held unchecked authority. To fully appreciate this work, we need to understand the social context of 17th-century Flanders, the role of the aristocracy, and the visual language used to convey power. Historical documents, aristocratic archives, and studies of Flemish art from this period can all offer insights. Art is always shaped by the world in which it is created.