Stag at bay, from 'Animal hunts' (Chasses à différents animaux) 1649 - 1659

This is Stefano della Bella's "Stag at Bay", an engraving made sometime in the mid-17th century. Consider that the hunt, often reserved for the aristocracy, was as much about asserting power and status as it was about sustenance. Della Bella, working for elite patrons, including the Medici family, was deeply embedded in this world. This print depicts a dramatic moment: the stag, cornered and exhausted, is set upon by dogs and hunters. Notice the tension in the stag's body, the desperation in its posture. Hunting scenes were a popular genre, but they also provoke questions around dominance and vulnerability. Who holds power, and at what cost? Della Bella’s delicate lines capture the emotional intensity of the hunt, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. The print is a study in contrasts: between predator and prey, between the powerful and the powerless. It is an image that resonates with contemporary concerns about environmentalism, class, and our ethical responsibilities.