De jager berecht door de dieren, ca. 1600 1640 - 1680

Editor: We're looking at "The Hunter Judged by the Animals," an engraving, probably made sometime between 1640 and 1680. It’s by an anonymous artist, part of the Rijksmuseum collection, and, wow, it’s packed with activity. The animals seem to be turning the tables on a hunter. What do you see happening here? Curator: It’s a wild scene, isn't it? A topsy-turvy world where prey becomes the judge! I see echoes of Aesop’s fables and Bruegel's chaotic landscapes. This piece reflects a time of social upheaval and questioning authority. See how each animal mimics human behaviors? They are acting out a satirical drama of their own, but also mirroring us, don’t you think? What do you make of the central image of the hunter? Editor: He looks utterly humiliated, dragged into court by… is that a stag? It feels almost like a commentary on class and privilege. Curator: Exactly! Consider the context. The Dutch Golden Age was booming, but not everyone benefited. This print hints at underlying tensions – perhaps resentment of the elite and their hunting pastimes. Note the absurd details—the monkey writing down the charges, the bear acting as executioner. It’s funny and horrifying at the same time, right? The composition really adds to this feel, with all its nooks and crannies... Do you think that’s accidental? Editor: It does give me a kind of uneasy feeling that enhances the message! Is it me or are there almost too many ideas at once? I can imagine viewers at the time had lots to say. Curator: Precisely. It was probably used to trigger lively discussions in pubs. This "Hunter Judged by the Animals" becomes a mirror held up to society, allowing people to laugh, critique, and maybe, just maybe, think about their place in the natural order. Editor: I'm now seeing it's less about animal revenge and more about pointing out human follies. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. And next time you find yourself in nature, maybe consider who is judging whom!