The Stag

Stags have been used to represent many different qualities including strength and spirituality. One of my favorite examples is the Forest Spirit from the Studio Ghibli film "Princess Mononoke". The Forest Spirit takes the form of an ethereal shapeshifting stag. Stags are also used as a canonical example of sexual selection in evolution theory, with the Irish Elk being the quintessential example. Stags face selection pressure for larger antlers, as their size plays a role during the mating season. When this season begins, stags shed the velvet overlaying their newly formed antlers, a process that is quite bloody and visceral.

Acid free 5 x 8 inch print originally inked using Pigma Micron 01 and graphite. Available with or without text.