Rond bouwwerk met linksboven een zwijnskop c. 1650 - 1671

Lieven Mehus created this intriguing etching called "Rond bouwwerk met linksboven een zwijnskop" or "Round structure with a pig's head on the top left". The composition is dominated by an ornate round structure, meticulously detailed with classical motifs and animal heads. The contrast between the crisp architectural lines and the organic forms of flora and fauna creates a compelling visual tension. Notice the pig's head, which is juxtaposed with other decorative elements, adding a grotesque yet intriguing dimension. Mehus employs a semiotic system where classical forms meet the bestial. This challenges fixed meanings, inviting us to reflect on the interplay between civilization and nature, order and chaos. The pig's head, a symbol often associated with baseness, is elevated within this structure, prompting a re-evaluation of established hierarchies. Ultimately, the print's formal qualities, characterized by detailed lines and contrasting themes, functions not just aesthetically but as part of a larger discourse on cultural and philosophical themes, demonstrating art's capacity for ongoing interpretation and challenging our perceptions of value.