Jacht in Ethiopië 1594 - 1598

Curator: This intricate engraving, dating back to somewhere between 1594 and 1598, is called "Jacht in Ethiopië" – or "Hunting in Ethiopia" - by Jan (II) Collaert. It resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first thought? Controlled chaos! A meticulously etched menagerie teeming within a crisply defined space. What’s the first thing that leaps out at you? Curator: It’s the allegorical nature that I can’t shake. The so-called “hunt” reads to me more like a parade of exotica meant to illustrate a kind of worldly dominion… It reminds me how Europe viewed other lands. Editor: Precisely. The animals, the indigenous figures—all staged, aren't they? Observe how some figures carry bows, suggesting conflict, while others converse peacefully; all within a highly fictionalized Ethiopia, illustrating power dynamics through the lens of early colonialism. This representation reinforces a narrative where the ‘exotic’ is both desired and subdued. Curator: And isn't it curious how many animals coexist here that never would in reality? We have lions and leopards casually placed together near elephants, all as if posing for a group portrait! It feels less like observing wildlife and more like crafting a political message through natural symbols. A subtle hint that this space can contain every creature in this territory... Editor: Exactly. Moreover, consider the choice of medium—engraving, which allows for precise detailing. This isn't simply a landscape; it's a constructed, meticulously crafted political statement about humanity’s reach. Curator: Absolutely. And perhaps on closer look, that detail offers an unexpected tension! Those elephants look surprisingly indifferent to the hunters. Maybe a little resistance woven into the page… Editor: That resistance is definitely something worth sitting with. This hunt is only a story if all participants are reading the script; otherwise, this is a very interesting scene indeed. Curator: What a fascinating tension to consider as we continue our exploration. Editor: Indeed.