Wolf met spoor 1751

This print, *Wolf met spoor*, was created by Johann Elias Ridinger using etching and engraving. Here, Ridinger skillfully employs traditional printmaking processes to depict a wolf in its natural habitat, alongside detailed studies of its tracks. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through the etching technique, brings a dramatic intensity to the scene, emphasizing the wolf's texture and form. The image's material presentation is critical. Printmaking, as a method of reproduction, democratized access to images and knowledge, yet also speaks to the labor and skill involved in the original production. The contrast between the wild subject matter and the graphic methods used to depict it raises questions about humanity’s relationship with nature, and the role of art in mediating that relationship. By choosing printmaking, Ridinger engaged with broader issues of labor, politics, and consumption, challenging any assumed divisions between art, craft, and wider cultural concerns.