Jonge vrouw verkoopt wild 1670 - 1724

This print, "Young Woman Selling Game" was made by Jacob Gole in the late 17th or early 18th century and is currently at the Rijksmuseum. The scene, rendered in detailed monochrome, presents a negotiation over hunted game, with both human figures centrally positioned and carefully lit. The composition is carefully arranged to guide the viewer's eye across the display of animals. Gole’s print uses familiar semiotic codes through its representation of commerce and domesticity. The structured composition, with its emphasis on visual balance between the figures and the game, functions as a commentary on the prevailing social norms. The symbolism of the game, combined with the interaction between the figures, hints at the underlying economic and social exchanges that define their relationship. Notice the textures achieved through engraving. The contrast between the smooth skin of the figures and the rough feathers and fur of the game, highlights Gole’s mastery and invites us to consider the complex interplay of nature, culture, and commerce.