Boogschutter en een boer met pluimvee 1555 - 1631

This engraving, "Archer and a Farmer with Poultry", was created anonymously. Note how the composition is neatly divided into two circular frames, each presenting a distinct yet thematically linked scene. The monochromatic palette enhances the graphic quality, compelling us to focus on the lines and forms that define the narrative. On the left, we see an archer extending his arm to a seated woman under a tree. The line of the archer's arm forms a diagonal that is counterbalanced by the curves of the woman's posture. On the right, a woman with a carrying frame looks towards a farmer holding poultry. The circular frame is not just a boundary but an active element that unifies each grouping. The dense hatching creates depth and shadows that contrast with the lighter areas, drawing our eye to key figures and objects. The text inscribed around the perimeter of each circle functions as both frame and commentary, underscoring the role of language in mediating our understanding of the visual. The piece questions fixed meanings and reflect broader cultural anxieties around social roles.