Landscape with Two Deer 

Ignatius van der Stock created this etching, "Landscape with Two Deer," in the late 17th or early 18th century, a period defined by rigid social hierarchies and burgeoning colonialism. At first glance, it’s a serene depiction of nature, but it's crucial to consider whose nature this is and who has access to it. Landscapes during this era were often coded with messages about land ownership and social status, reflecting a world where access to nature was a privilege, deeply entwined with power. The presence of deer, often symbols of the hunt and aristocratic leisure, further emphasizes this dynamic. Van der Stock was working within a tradition that idealized the natural world, yet this idealization often obscured the realities of land use, labor, and the displacement of indigenous populations. Consider the emotional impact of this landscape. Does it evoke a sense of tranquility or does it make you uneasy, knowing the history embedded within its lines? Ultimately, this etching invites us to reflect on the relationship between nature, power, and representation.