Fox Hunt with Dogs 1582

Editor: This engraving, "Fox Hunt with Dogs" from the Workshop of Philips Galle, depicts a hunting scene. It's quite detailed; what strikes me is the depiction of labour involved. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I'm drawn to the material conditions of its production. The engraver's labour, the quality of the metal plate, and the availability of printing technology all shaped this image. What does this image tell us about access to land and leisure at the time? Editor: So, you're thinking about who had the means to engage in this activity and, therefore, to commission such a print. Curator: Exactly. The print acts as a commodity, reflecting and reinforcing social hierarchies through its production and consumption. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't fully considered. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about the work and the labor behind it gives us a fuller picture.