Lucht c. 1736

This print, titled "Lucht" or "Air", was created by Jacques Philippe Le Bas in the 18th century. It portrays a man with a falcon perched on his gloved hand, dogs at his feet, and birds in the sky. During this era, falconry was a sport deeply intertwined with social status. Owning and training falcons was a privilege primarily enjoyed by the aristocracy, signifying power and wealth. Le Bas's depiction offers us a glimpse into the culture of leisure and social hierarchy of the time. The print reflects a world in which humanity's relationship with nature was mediated by class and control. The accompanying text hints at the irony of human ambition. While humans are earthbound, their ingenuity allows them to dominate the skies, turning even the freedom of birds into a display of human prowess. It prompts us to reflect on the complex, sometimes contradictory, ways we interact with our environment.