Jagende leeuwen, paarden en honden 1570 - 1612

Created in the 16th century by Marcus Gheeraerts, this engraving on paper, presents a tumultuous hunt scene with lions, horses, and dogs. The monochromatic palette amplifies the dynamic tension, the frenzied energy of the chase captured through the artist's intricate linework. The composition, though small in scale, is densely packed with figures, each element contributing to a sense of chaotic movement. The use of hatching and cross-hatching not only models the forms but also adds a tactile quality, almost simulating the texture of fur and muscle. Gheeraerts disrupts the traditional hierarchy. The hunt is no longer a display of human dominance but a raw, visceral struggle for survival amongst animals, where the lines between predator and prey blur. Notice how the interplay between light and shadow emphasizes the violence of the scene. This formal strategy underscores a broader philosophical shift challenging humanity's perceived superiority within the natural order. This artwork isn't just an aesthetic object; it's a site where ideas about power, nature, and existence are actively negotiated.