Stierenjacht 1631

This print of a bull hunt was made by an anonymous artist using the technique of engraving. A metal plate, likely copper, was incised with lines using a tool called a burin. The plate was then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Finally, the image was transferred to paper under high pressure. The stark contrast between the lines and the blank paper creates a dramatic scene, full of action. It's worth considering the labor involved. The engraver needed immense skill to render the image, and the printing process was physically demanding. Prints like this were relatively inexpensive, which enabled them to circulate widely. They offer a window into the visual culture of the time, reflecting aristocratic pastimes like hunting. At the same time, we should remember the skilled labor that went into their production, and how these kinds of images shaped popular perceptions of class and leisure.