Venationes ferarum avium, piscium... 1530 - 1581

"Venationes ferarum avium, piscium..." (Hunting of Wild Animals, Birds, and Fish) is a 16th-century engraving by Jan van der Straet, called Stradanus. The print, which is part of a series, depicts a scene of gladiatorial combat. It features a lion attacking a dog as a dead elephant lies on the ground. In the background, a crowd watches the spectacle from a balcony. The scene highlights the brutality of Roman entertainment, with a focus on the dramatic struggle between predator and prey. The engraving was a popular subject in the 16th century as it captured a moment of excitement in a world fascinated by animal contests. The print is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.