Hert met bijzonder gewei 1744

This engraving of a stag with an unusual rack was made by Johann Ridinger, an artist known for his detailed depictions of animals, especially within hunting scenes. At the time this print was made, hunting culture was closely tied to the aristocracy, symbolizing power, control, and the mastery of nature. We see the stag here, isolated in a rugged landscape, its striking antlers marking it as a prized trophy. Its nobility seems almost to mock the viewer given it was shot on the grounds of a Count, and its weight was measured and sent to the Roman Emperor Charles VI. Yet, there's a certain melancholy to the image. The stag, though majestic, is also vulnerable, its individuality reduced to a measure of weight, an object of imperial fascination. As we reflect on this image, consider the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, and the ways in which power and privilege shape our perceptions of both.