Shooting: Verse 2 1819

Thomas Sutherland's "Shooting: Verse 2" captures a rural hunting scene. The print offers a glimpse into the cultural practices and social hierarchies of its time, reflecting an era where leisure activities like hunting were often associated with wealth and privilege. The image depicts two men with guns, accompanied by dogs in pursuit of prey. This scene evokes a sense of human control over nature, raising questions about our relationship to the natural world and the ethics of sport. The poem that goes with the print makes reference to where the birds hide. The pursuit, the tension, the moment of the shot. It’s interesting to think about the perspective of the animals in this print. Sutherland’s print invites us to consider the complex power dynamics inherent in hunting. Whose stories are not told? What emotional and personal dimensions can we intuit?