Bizon 1689 - 1712

Curator: Here we have "Bizon," an engraving by Cornelis Huyberts, created sometime between 1689 and 1712. Editor: My first thought? Raw power! That beast practically leaps off the page, doesn't he? The musculature, the sheer bulk of it...and that wild look in his eye! You can almost feel the earth tremble. Curator: Yes, Huyberts masterfully captures the animal's dynamism and mass. Observe how the meticulous cross-hatching and linear details define the bison’s form, creating a play of light and shadow that gives it remarkable presence. It’s a prime example of realism in its time, striving for scientific accuracy alongside artistic expression. Editor: Accuracy, maybe, but there's also a clear sense of...I don't know...majesty? A bit idealized, perhaps. Notice how it dominates the landscape—even the other animals seem to shrink away in awe. It’s not just a bison; it’s a symbol, maybe of untamed nature or brute strength. Curator: Indeed. The composition itself underscores this. The bison is placed almost centrally, with the landscape acting as a stage. The formal, somewhat theatrical arrangement lends a sense of grandeur. The carefully rendered foliage offers a contrasting texture. Editor: And it’s not just about beauty. There's a certain sadness there too. Knowing what we do about the decimation of bison populations over time… this feels like a powerful, poignant reminder of a lost world. It looks fierce, but is its posture showing some stress, too? Curator: It's fascinating how Huyberts' choice of engraving heightens that drama. The starkness of black and white reinforces the contrast and heightens our perception of the animal's solidity. One can imagine the artist’s laborious, painstaking work required to achieve this effect. Editor: It really is breathtaking work. It makes you think about the delicate balance, or imbalance, of nature. It makes one reflect about mankind´s actions regarding animal populations on our planet... Curator: Quite so. It prompts reflection on humanity’s role, the fragility of ecosystems... and what could be perceived, at that time, as the beauty and immensity of wildlife... Editor: Definitely more than just an engraving. A little bit of the wild staring back at us.