Jacht op walrussen, 1594 1598

This print, titled "Walrus Hunting," was made anonymously in 1594, using the technique of engraving. Engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, filling them with ink, and then pressing paper against the plate. Look closely, and you’ll see how each line defines the forms within the image, from the ships on the horizon, to the walruses on the shore, to the figures dispatching them. Engraving allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, making them available to a wide audience. In this case, the print shows the brutal realities of resource extraction, as walruses were hunted for their ivory and blubber. The print serves as a form of propaganda, documenting and celebrating Dutch commercial activity. It is a stark reminder of the environmental impact of early capitalism, and also the sheer physical labor involved in acquiring these valuable commodities. By considering the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate how this small print connects to broader issues of trade, labor, and ecological change.