Man eet van verse ham 1612 - 1665

This engraving by Cornelis van Dalen I, titled “Man eet van verse ham”, roughly translates to "a man eats fresh ham." Created in the 17th century, it reflects a Dutch society grappling with themes of indulgence and mortality. This is no ordinary man; the figure’s exaggerated features, particularly the wrinkled face and feathered cap, signal a character from the margins of society. The image shows a moment of raw, unrestrained appetite, where the man’s sole focus is the consumption of food and drink. The inscription beneath the image speaks to a desire to satisfy the stomach, highlighting a departure from traditional, restrained representations. The artist isn't simply depicting a person eating; but is highlighting the base, human desires that transcend social status. The artwork, therefore, is not just about food but about exploring the depths of human desire, and the complex relationship between our bodies and our identities.