Hertenjacht 1671

This etching, "Hertenjacht" or Stag Hunting, was created by Richard Gaywood around the mid-17th century. Notice how the frantic energy of the hunt is captured through the density of fine, interwoven lines. The composition is a dynamic collision of figures, with the stag at the center, encircled by hounds and hunters. The artist masterfully uses line to create texture and movement, from the fur of the animals to the foliage of the landscape. There’s a deliberate layering of the scene. The foreground is dominated by the struggle between the stag and dogs, while the background reveals the approaching hunters on horseback. This creates a sense of depth and anticipation. The inscription at the bottom of the print serves as a commentary. It highlights not only the physical pursuit, but also the narrative arc of the hunt—from the stag’s freedom to its inevitable demise. In essence, Gaywood uses the formal elements of the print to engage with broader themes of mortality and the relationship between man and nature.