Jacht op everzwijnen 1595

This print, *Jacht op everzwijnen*, or boar hunt, was made by Antonio Tempesta around the turn of the 17th century using etching and engraving. These processes involve coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through it to expose the metal, then bathing it in acid. The acid bites away the exposed lines, which are then inked and printed. Look closely, and you’ll notice the stark contrast and sharp lines, created through the use of burins and needles, to scratch away the wax. The density of the lines creates depth, and the texture gives a sense of chaotic energy to the hunt scene. The social context is important here. Hunting was a pastime of the aristocracy, and prints like these allowed wider circulation of elite imagery. While not as highly valued as painting or sculpture, printmaking was crucial to disseminating visual culture. It required technical skill, but also a canny understanding of the market and a willingness to engage with popular themes. And just think of the labor involved, not only for the artist but for the printers who would have made many impressions of this plate. So, while this may seem like a minor work, it opens a window onto a complex world of materials, making, and social life.