Jonge jager c. 1670 - 1736

Editor: This is *Jonge jager*, or *Young Hunter*, an engraving by Andreas Matthäus Wolfgang, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century. There's a stillness to this portrait that's almost unsettling. The young man's gaze is so direct, but the grainy texture gives it an air of faded grandeur. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This engraving offers a glimpse into the complex social structures of its time. The seemingly innocent image of a “young hunter” can be viewed as a reflection of power dynamics. Who was allowed to hunt? What did that signify? Was it purely for sustenance or, more likely, for sport and status? Think about the implications of portraying a child in this role; what messages does it send about inheriting power and privilege? Editor: So, it's not just a portrait of a boy; it’s about social class and who gets to participate in certain activities? Curator: Precisely! And the very medium of engraving itself speaks volumes. Prints allowed for wider dissemination of images, thereby reinforcing these societal values across a larger audience. How might this accessibility shape the perception and acceptance of those values at the time? Furthermore, the act of capturing the animal as suggested in the text at the bottom raises ethical considerations about our relationship with the natural world. Is that something that this piece could highlight for us? Editor: That's a completely different way of looking at it! I had been caught up in the aesthetic of it all but missed the social and political commentary. Curator: Art so often reflects—and reinforces—the societal norms of its time. This engraving invites us to unpack those power structures and to ask questions about access, representation, and ethics, that are ever relevant today. Editor: I'll definitely be looking at art with a more critical eye from now on. Thanks!