Steltlopers 1547 - 1590

Philips Galle made this engraving of wading birds in the late 16th century, a period of expanding European exploration and burgeoning scientific curiosity. The image exists at the intersection of art and science. Galle, an engraver, was part of a network of artists who helped disseminate knowledge about the natural world through detailed illustrations. Consider the cultural context: Europe was encountering new species from around the globe, and printed images played a crucial role in documenting and classifying these discoveries. These birds, stiff and formal, are presented for observation. They speak to a desire to categorize and understand the natural world, reflecting the values of a society on the cusp of the scientific revolution. The print invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the act of observation, and the complexities of our relationship with the environment.