Vildsvinejagten 1507 - 1541

Bernard van Orley made "Vildsvinejagten" in the 16th century using pen and brown ink, with brown wash on paper. The controlled lines of the pen and the subtle gradations of the brown wash, carefully applied, create depth and drama within the scene. The artist's hand meticulously renders the chaos of the hunt, from the frantic energy of the dogs to the muscular tension of the horses and hunters. Hunting scenes like this one were a favorite subject of the European aristocracy and so this work speaks to the context of labor, politics, and consumption during the Renaissance. The amount of work involved in the production process is evident in the fine details and the overall composition, requiring skill and time to complete. Considering the materials, processes, and historical context of the artwork allows for a broader and more meaningful interpretation, acknowledging the significance of craft, design, and materiality in understanding fine art.