Berenjacht 1570 - 1612

Marcus Gheeraerts’ ‘Berenjacht’ was made in the late 16th century using engraving, a printmaking technique that demands immense skill and precision. The image is incised into a metal plate, and the fine lines hold ink to transfer the design onto paper. The material qualities of the print—its fine lines and the stark contrast between black and white—heighten the drama of the hunting scene, where men and animals are caught in a life-or-death struggle. The process of engraving itself requires a deep understanding of tools and materials. The engraver must carefully control the depth and width of each line, considering the pressure and angle of the burin to create the desired effect. Engraving, as a reproductive medium, played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas, contributing to the rise of a visual culture shaped by commerce and consumption. By focusing on the material and making of this print, we can appreciate the skill involved in its creation, and understand its wider social and cultural context. This challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft.