Cinghiale. / Sanglier. / Wildschwein. / Keuler. / Wild boar. / Wildzwein 1879

R. Schulz's ‘Cinghiale’ presents us with a study of a wild boar, a figure laden with complex cultural associations. Historically, the boar has been a potent symbol of both destruction and courage. Across various cultures, it embodies traits of aggression and untamed wilderness, often hunted as a test of bravery and skill. This image doesn’t just depict an animal; it engages with a network of historical narratives tied to class, gender, and power. Boar hunting was traditionally a pursuit of the aristocracy, reinforcing social hierarchies and masculine ideals. Consider how Schulz’s work participates in or challenges these representations, inviting us to reflect on our own relationships with the natural world. By representing the animal as a powerful and autonomous being, Schulz opens a space for questioning human dominance and ecological responsibility.