Ostriches 1580

Editor: This is Adriaen Collaert's print, "Ostriches". The intricate line work is stunning! What story do you see in the way the ostriches are depicted and the context surrounding them? Curator: Look closely at the landscape—it isn't a naturalistic depiction of Africa. The artist presents a view of exoticism filtered through European eyes and their system of material values. How does this impact our understanding? Editor: It sounds like the print reveals a story of cultural consumption and perhaps even challenges the separation between art and documentation? Curator: Precisely! By exploring the artistic license taken in the production of this image, we uncover a complex exchange of materials and knowledge.