Stier 1650 - 1700

This print, titled "Stier," or "Bull," was made in 1650. Its creator is unknown. Here, the linear quality achieved through etching on paper profoundly influences our perception. Notice how the stark contrast between the lines and negative space imbues the bull with a palpable sense of weight and presence. The bull's form is meticulously rendered through a dense network of fine lines, capturing the texture of its fur and the muscularity of its physique. Etching, a process involving acid-resistant wax and mordant, demands careful control and precision. This print is a product of the visual and material culture of its time, reflecting a growing interest in naturalism and empirical observation. The artist's engagement with printmaking underscores a broader engagement with commercial exchange, artistic expression, and the evolving relationship between craft and fine art. Ultimately, this humble print invites us to reconsider the boundaries of art and labor, challenging us to recognize the inherent value of both intellectual and manual skill.