Stag Hunt 17th-18th century

Editor: This is Johann Elias Ridinger's "Stag Hunt." It's a black and white print with incredible detail of a chaotic hunt scene. I'm struck by the drama of it all. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: Ridinger's prints, like this one, were incredibly popular in 18th-century aristocratic circles. Stag hunts were elaborate displays of power and social status. Consider how this imagery reinforces a certain social hierarchy and the role of animals within it. Editor: So, it’s not just about the hunt itself, but a reflection of the social order? Curator: Exactly! The print acts as a visual document of these rituals, circulating and solidifying those power dynamics. This was also a time of growing awareness around animal welfare. Does that change how you view the image? Editor: It adds a layer of complexity I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, art often reflects the contradictions of its time.