Eendenjacht 1859 - 1891

Elias Stark created this print called 'Duck Hunt' using etching. Stark, born in Amsterdam, depicts an idyllic scene, reminiscent of the Dutch Golden Age landscape paintings. But who is afforded the luxury of leisure? Duck hunting, then as now, speaks to class and access. Here, we see the Dutch landscape from a particular point of view; that of wealthy men, equipped with guns, a boat, and a dog, who take aim at the wildlife. Stark was known for his animal paintings. He brings an intimacy to this natural scene that makes one consider the relationship between humans and the natural world. Does this image reinforce traditional ideas about man’s dominion over nature or does it offer a more nuanced narrative? The meticulous etching brings a stark beauty to the scene, which may leave the viewer to question the ethics of this hunt.