A Wild Dog Hunt 16th-17th century

Curator: Oh, this is an intense little world, isn't it? So much drama packed into such a small space. Editor: Indeed. Here we have "A Wild Dog Hunt," an etching by Antonio Tempesta. He was born in Florence in 1555 and died in 1630. Curator: It's like a scene ripped straight from a chaotic dream. The energy! I feel breathless just looking at it. Editor: Tempesta was known for his battle scenes and hunting scenes, and this reflects the period's fascination with man's dominion over nature. The imagery is also about social order, where hunting was often reserved for the elite. Curator: I guess it makes you think about the way we interact with the natural world, doesn't it? So much violence and control on display. And I can't help but notice the dogs aren’t looking like they are having any fun. Editor: It's a scene far removed from our modern sensitivities toward animals, and seeing it makes one grateful for how those sensitivities have grown. Curator: Right, well, that’s definitely a thought to take with you. Editor: Yes, indeed. A brutal but honest portrayal of a hunt.