Falcon Hunt n.d.

Editor: Here we have an intriguing print, “Falcon Hunt,” created by Bernard van Orley. It’s undated but held here at the Art Institute of Chicago. The medium includes etching, ink, and pen on paper, which creates a wonderful sense of texture. I’m struck by the dynamic energy of the riders and dogs in the scene. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Indeed! This "Falcon Hunt" seems steeped in cultural memory. The very act of falconry is laden with meaning—traditionally a pastime of nobility, a symbol of status and control over the natural world. The figures on horseback become embodiments of power. What emotional response do you get from the composition? Editor: I feel like the positioning of the riders one behind the other increases that power feeling. It reminds me of rulers being shown with a sense of entitlement in portraits and tapestries, showing lineage. Curator: Precisely! Consider also the contrast between the orderly procession of the riders and the chaotic energy of the dogs. Could this represent the controlled versus the untamed aspects of human nature? Editor: It could be! The dogs certainly seem eager and ready to go. This conversation made me understand how social hierarchy plays a role in understanding prints from the Northern Renaissance. Thanks! Curator: And for me, it underscores the power of animals – both the falcon and the dogs – as potent symbols in art. They mirror human aspirations and societal structures.