Wolvenjacht met speren 1578

Philips Galle created this engraving titled ‘Wolvenjacht met speren’, or Wolf Hunt with Spears, sometime in the late 16th century. Galle lived in a time when the Netherlands was undergoing significant political and religious upheaval, as it struggled for independence from Spanish rule. The print depicts a highly organized hunt, revealing aspects of social hierarchy. Wealthy, armed men on horseback are at the center, directing dogs against wolves, while commoners on foot assist. This scene underscores the power dynamics of the era, where the right to hunt was often restricted to the nobility, symbolizing their authority and control over both land and its resources. This isn't just about hunting wolves; it's about the assertion of dominance and order, where the wild is tamed and societal roles are clearly defined. Hunting was a means of controlling the landscape but it also served as a demonstration of social status. It makes you wonder about the cost of such displays of control.