Pantheren, Hesten og andre Dyr 1760

"Pantheren, Hesten og andre Dyr" or "The Panther, the Horse and other Animals" was created by Alexia von Lode sometime in the mid-18th century. It’s an etching, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. The medium itself invites us to consider processes of reproduction and distribution. Etchings like this one were relatively easy to produce, making images widely accessible. The subject matter, a somewhat chaotic menagerie of animals, would have resonated with the era's fascination with natural history and exploration. But the image also reflects the social context of its making. The graphic style echoes the scientific illustrations of the day, yet here it is used to depict a scene of wild abandon. The skilled labor involved in creating the plate is evident in the fine lines and detailed textures, a testament to the artist's training. By considering the materials, the making, and the context, we can appreciate how this print operates at the intersection of art, science, and society.