Everzwijn opgejaagd door hond en jager 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this etching, titled 'Wild Boar Hunt', in the 17th century, a period marked by rigid social hierarchies and the consolidation of aristocratic power in Europe. Hunting, as depicted here, was not merely a sport; it was a theatrical display of dominance and control, deeply intertwined with class and gender. Here we see the wild boar, a symbol of untamed nature, chased by dogs and hunters, representing man's subjugation of the natural world. The act of hunting, often reserved for the nobility, underscored their perceived right to exert control over both land and its inhabitants. Della Bella's delicate lines capture the dynamism of the hunt, yet also hint at the underlying power dynamics at play. The boar, cornered and desperate, evokes a sense of vulnerability, mirroring perhaps the precarious position of those excluded from the privileges of aristocracy. As we gaze upon this scene, we are reminded of the complex relationship between humanity, nature, and the enduring legacy of social inequality.