Skelet van een paard 1626

This engraving of a horse skeleton was made by Andries Stock, likely in the early 17th century, using the intaglio process. This printmaking technique involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then using a press to transfer the ink onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the crisp lines that define the contours of the bones, and the fine hatching that creates a sense of shading and volume. The choice of this medium is significant; printmaking allowed for the widespread dissemination of images, making anatomical studies like this one accessible to a broader audience. The level of detail suggests that Stock had a deep understanding of equine anatomy, acquired through careful observation and study. But beyond its scientific value, this print also speaks to the cultural significance of horses in 17th-century Europe. They were symbols of wealth, power, and status, and their image was carefully cultivated in art and literature. This work blurs the lines between scientific illustration and artistic expression, reminding us that even the most technical of images are shaped by cultural values and artistic skill.