Rokende franciscaan Possibly 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this print of a “Smoking Franciscan” around the turn of the 18th century. During this time, the Dutch Republic was experiencing a shift in cultural values. The religious and moral austerity of the earlier Dutch Golden Age was giving way to a more secular, pleasure-seeking society. In this context, Gole’s unflattering depiction of a friar, complete with a smoking pipe and an assortment of drinking vessels, satirizes the perceived hypocrisy of the clergy. The poem beneath the image adds another layer, suggesting the friar’s body is inflamed by drink, and that purgatory will cleanse his soul. Prints like these played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, and tapped into the anxieties around religious authority. They also offer a glimpse into the everyday vices of the time. It’s fascinating to consider how Gole uses humor to invite us to reflect on the complex relationship between faith, morality, and human desire.