Twee hondshaaien op het strand 1664

Albert Flamen created this print of two dogfish sharks in the 17th century using etching techniques. The image is brought to life through the intricate network of lines, creating texture and tone, defining the forms of the sharks and the surrounding beach. Flamen masterfully manipulates the etching needle to render the scaly skin and the subtle gradations of light across the sharks' bodies. The choice of etching as a medium speaks to a culture of careful observation, and the desire to capture the natural world in a precise and reproducible form. The image is not just a scientific record, but also reflects the growing commercialization of natural resources, where even the humblest creatures of the sea could become commodities for consumption and trade. It invites us to consider the labor, the skill, and the cultural values embedded within the work.