Jacht op het Calydonische everzwijn c. 1540

This is an engraving by Monogrammist IQV depicting the hunt for the Calydonian Boar. The monochromatic print plunges us into a dense, interwoven scene of hunters, hounds, and wild beasts set against a backdrop of a lush forest. The composition is structured by dynamic lines, from the archer's taut bow to the spears aimed at the central boar. The artist’s use of line is particularly striking. Notice how the density of the lines creates areas of shadow and depth, pulling the viewer into the heart of the hunt. The layering of figures and foliage obscures any sense of clear spatial recession. The scene almost appears to be organized as a frieze, typical of classical compositions. It invites a reading of the narrative as both an action-packed event and an exploration of classical themes. Consider how the artist uses the formal elements of line and composition to convey a sense of movement and chaos. It is a structured chaos, reflecting the artist's attempt to reconcile classical ideals with the dynamic energy of the hunt.