Verschillende zwijnen 1581 - 1600

This is an engraving of several pigs, made by an anonymous artist, and held in the Rijksmuseum. The image presents a fascinating glimpse into the cultural mindset of its time. Made during an era when the boundaries between humans and animals were often blurred, the image raises questions about our relationship with the natural world. The detailed rendering of the pigs, combined with the presence of Latin text, suggests a learned audience familiar with classical literature and natural history. Engravings like this served multiple purposes, functioning as both scientific illustrations and allegorical emblems. They could be used in scholarly publications, displayed in private collections, or circulated as prints for popular consumption. In the context of the Dutch Republic, where the burgeoning middle class embraced both scientific inquiry and moralizing imagery, this engraving would have resonated with a broad audience. To fully understand the image, historians consult a wide range of sources, from bestiaries and emblem books to agricultural treatises and social commentaries. By piecing together these fragments of the past, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and cultural meanings embedded within this seemingly simple image of pigs.