Jacht op vogels met behulp van een net 1582 - 1633

Philips Galle made this print called 'Hunting Birds with a Net' in the Netherlands sometime in the late 16th century using engraving. It depicts several figures engaging in various rural activities against a backdrop of fields, trees, and distant buildings. These detailed engravings offer a glimpse into the social and economic life of the Dutch Golden Age. Galle's choice to depict bird hunting, shepherding, and farming reflects the agricultural basis of the Dutch economy. This print reveals a society deeply connected to the land. The presence of a windmill and village church in the background also gives us some insight into the period's technological advancements and religious institutions. To understand this artwork more fully, one could consult historical records of Dutch agricultural practices and social customs. Considering the institutional history of printmaking during this period can also explain the proliferation of images like this. It is through such research that we can appreciate the historical depth embedded in this seemingly simple depiction of rural life.