Konijnen, eekhoorn, cavia en muis 1594 - 1621

Editor: Here we have Nicolaes de Bruyn's "Konijnen, eekhoorn, cavia en muis," created sometime between 1594 and 1621. It's a pen and engraving piece featuring rabbits, squirrels, guinea pigs and mice. What strikes me is the detail; it’s incredible how much texture he achieved just with line work. How do you see this piece? Curator: Well, focusing on the material production, look at the skill involved in both drawing and engraving these intricate forms. Each line meticulously placed reveals not just an image but a process. We need to think about the means by which this image was made reproducible through the labour intensive engraving technique. Consider, too, who would have been consuming such imagery? Editor: That's a great point! Thinking about the consumers, how does its probable accessibility due to it being a print affect the value we place on it compared to painting of that time? Curator: Exactly. It brings into question traditional art historical hierarchies that privilege unique, 'high art' objects over those intended for wider distribution. It also suggests this was intended for a different, potentially wider social class. Did this distribution change the perception of animal studies? Editor: I hadn’t considered the class aspect before, that's fascinating. It makes me think differently about the choices De Bruyn made and the audience he imagined. Curator: And considering the reproductive nature of printmaking and engraving – how does the ease with which these images can circulate impact notions of authorship and originality? It is fascinating when viewing through that lens. Editor: I can appreciate it even more now. Thank you for broadening my perspective. I’m seeing a reflection on social factors in the work's making and potential accessibility. Curator: Exactly! I am glad we both learned more today about its artistic choices!