Jacht op struisvogels 1598

Antonio Tempesta created this print titled ‘Ostrich Hunt’ sometime between 1575 and 1630. During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, there was an increased fascination with the natural world, fueled by voyages of discovery and the rise of scientific inquiry. In this context, Tempesta's print does more than just depict a hunt; it provides insight into the early modern European worldview. The hunters are depicted in a classical style, reminiscent of Roman attire, while the exotic ostriches are thrust into this European landscape. This juxtaposition highlights the dynamic between the known and the unknown, the civilized and the wild. The hunt, as a demonstration of human control over nature, reflects the era's emerging colonial attitudes and the desire to categorize and dominate the natural world. What does it mean to chase and capture the unfamiliar? How do our desires shape our perceptions? 'Ostrich Hunt' encourages us to reflect on how we engage with the world and each other.