Eendenjacht 1578

This engraving, Eendenjacht, by Philips Galle, dating back to the late 16th century, unveils a scene of duck hunting, filled with symbolic resonance. Notice the prominent circular net, a motif extending far beyond mere hunting technique. It evokes the cyclical nature of life and death, and containment. The circle, a symbol of eternity, appears as a boundary, reminiscent of labyrinths found in ancient Minoan culture. These patterns are echoed in medieval church floors, guiding the seeker through a spiritual journey. Similarly, in Galle's work, the ducks are led into this enclosure. The hunter, a recurring figure in art history, is a symbol of man's dominion over nature. The act of hunting has been captured in cave paintings and Renaissance tapestries alike. It reveals a deeply ingrained aspect of human nature: the act of seeking, pursuing, and capturing, not only physical prey but also knowledge and understanding. The image, through its symbolism, engages us on a subconscious level, stirring primal instincts and philosophical reflections.