Netten en onderdelen om vogels mee te vangen 1731

This print, made by Bernard Picart around the turn of the 18th century, meticulously details the tools and techniques used for catching birds. Rendered in ink on paper, the print employs precise lines to illustrate each component of the bird-catching process. Picart’s emphasis on the tools and nets transforms this image into something of a manual. The linear quality of the print allows us to examine the textures of each aspect, from the mesh of the nets to the smooth surfaces of the wooden tools. The artist’s careful documentation of these processes also speaks to the social context of the time. Bird catching was then both a practical method of obtaining food and a specialized craft, demanding a deep knowledge of natural materials, and skilled construction methods. By highlighting these techniques, Picart elevates the everyday practices into a form of artistry. This invites us to consider the knowledge and skills embedded in craft practices, challenging traditional art-historical hierarchies.