Opschrikkende herten 1672

Abraham Hondius's etching, "Opschrikkende herten" (Startled Deer), created in 1672, depicts a scene of two deer in a forest. The larger deer in the foreground appears to be startled by something off-screen, its body tensed and its head turned away. The other deer drinks from a stream in the lower left corner. The artwork exemplifies Hondius's mastery of capturing animal anatomy and movement. The detailed hatching and cross-hatching create a sense of depth and texture, making the deer appear lifelike. The use of light and shadow further enhances the sense of realism.