Unicornis 1971

This work, by Rudolf Láng, is a monochrome print showing a hunting party and a unicorn, but the unicorn seems to be superimposed. I'm imagining Láng making this, the marks being etched, maybe with acid, and the ways the lines create tone, depth, and texture. Look at the hunter with his arm raised, pointing to the unicorn. I wonder if Láng was interested in the ways that humans try to control nature and the magic and mystery that escapes them. The density of the forest! It reminds me of medieval tapestries, but there's something more modern, maybe cynical, about its composition. It’s like Láng is saying, “Here’s your fantasy, but it’s just out of reach.” Isn't that always the case? I think many artists engage in a similar back and forth with the history of painting.