Heuvel met konijnen, vogels, vos, das en drie opgehangen dieren 1674 - 1706

Robert Robinson created this print called ‘Hill with Rabbits, Birds, Fox, Badger and Three Hanged Animals' in the late 17th century. The relationships among animals were of great interest in this period, but Robinson adds a gruesome twist. Here, we see a fox and badger amongst a flurry of rabbits, whilst an eagle flies overhead. What is unusual is the wooden frame that holds hanged animals in the background, it's an eerie reminder of human power over nature. England at this time was deeply shaped by its rural economy and class divisions. Hunting was a privilege often reserved for the landed gentry, reflecting social hierarchies. Prints like these can be read as social commentaries, subtly questioning these norms. To understand Robinson’s print better, look at the history of hunting practices in the 17th century and the role of animals in English art and culture. By doing so, we can view art as deeply connected to the society that produced it.