Ostrich hunt, from 'Animal hunts' (Chasses à différents animaux) 1649 - 1659

Curator: This etching, entitled "Ostrich Hunt, from 'Animal hunts'", was created by Stefano della Bella sometime between 1649 and 1659. The print now resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Immediately, the eye is drawn to the commanding presence of the lead ostrich. The composition’s emphasis on line and the almost frenetic energy create a captivating scene. It almost feels as though we're being swept along in the chase ourselves. Curator: Precisely. The dynamism here is achieved, in part, through Bella's mastery of the etching technique. Notice the delicate hatching and cross-hatching, which create a remarkable range of tonal values. He uses the contrasting values to imply depth and texture. Editor: Looking closely, the context reveals layers of societal norms of the period, right? The hunting scene, especially the pursuit of exotic animals like ostriches, certainly speaks to aristocratic leisure. The figure on horseback is very commanding. Curator: Yes, these prints circulated among a specific demographic. They were consumed within elite circles, solidifying their place within a system of power and prestige. Notice too, how Bella emphasizes not just the animal, but its exotic locale and hunters. Editor: Yet there’s a moral dimension to the portrayal of nature. Are we to admire the hunters, or recognize the plight of these magnificent birds? I find myself feeling sympathy for the ostriches even as I admire the technique. Curator: I find your reading insightful. Consider, though, that prints like these are rarely straightforward. They functioned as records, commemorations of hunting exploits and perhaps reflections on the balance of man and nature in the baroque world. Editor: It is, to reiterate, about technique, power, and a moment caught in time. Thanks for contextualizing della Bella's work. Curator: And thank you for highlighting those tensions inherent in its viewing.