Blad met twee platen: muilezel en gems 1740 - 1745

Johan Eric Rehn made this print of a mule and a chamois. The image invites us to consider the social roles of animals in the 18th century. Made in Sweden, this work reflects a growing scientific interest in natural history. It was a period when detailed studies of animals and their habitats gained importance. Note the mule with its saddle. It underscores the animal's role as a beast of burden, integral to trade and transportation networks. Similarly, the chamois, a mountain goat, evokes the wild, untamed aspects of nature. Rehn's print serves as a visual record, a testament to both the animals' physical characteristics and their cultural significance. It is a reminder that art is always shaped by the knowledge frameworks and institutional requirements of its time. Delving into archival sources, such as scientific journals and travelogues, helps us understand the historical meaning of this image.