Twee oren en constructies om vogels mee te vangen 1730

Bernard Picart created this print, "Two Ears and Constructions for Catching Birds," sometime between 1696 and 1733, using etching. The print combines anatomical studies with diagrams of bird-catching devices, reflecting the scientific and technological interests of the early 18th century. Made in the Netherlands, a hub of intellectual and commercial activity during the period, it reflects the Dutch Republic's fascination with both natural science and practical innovation. The detailed depiction of the ear suggests an interest in human anatomy, a field that was advancing through scientific inquiry. Simultaneously, the inclusion of bird-catching constructions points to the society's engagement with hunting and perhaps the control of nature. To fully appreciate this print, one might explore the scientific publications and technological manuals popular at the time. This artwork encourages us to consider the intersection of science, technology, and society in shaping artistic expression and to consider the artist's role in documenting and interpreting that intersection.