Print c. 17th century

This print by Rünacker presents a landscape dominated by monochromatic tones, a study in the interplay of light and shadow achieved through delicate washes. The eye is drawn to the composition’s structure, with its contrasting zones of densely wooded areas against the ethereal openness of the sky. The strategic use of varying gray values defines the spatial relationships within the scene. This creates depth and volume as forms recede into the distance. Rünacker employs this tonal variation not only to depict a naturalistic scene, but also to evoke a sense of atmosphere. The structural elements such as trees, rocks, and the depicted animal serve as signs within a semiotic system. These signs are not merely representational, but also carry cultural codes linked to landscape aesthetics and animal symbolism. The artist's formal manipulation of these elements invites ongoing interpretation, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns about humanity's relationship with nature.