Rustend jachtgezelschap 1630 - 1648

Cornelis de Wael created this etching, "Resting Hunting Party," at an unknown date. The composition, structured around a cluster of figures and animals, feels both intimate and expansive. De Wael uses etching to bring a textural and visual impact to the scene. The scene is defined by its dynamic use of line, particularly in the rendering of garments and natural forms. These lines aren't merely descriptive; they build up layers of shadow and light. De Wael’s mastery lies in his ability to evoke volume and space through line alone. The figures’ arrangement prompts us to consider how the artist challenges traditional group portraiture, opting for a more informal, genre-like depiction. Consider the light, or the absence of it, and how it functions to create form. These formal choices push beyond mere representation, inviting us to decode its visual language.