Veel zoeken door practijk haar keel en beurs te vullen / En op het paar-gaten te srinken en te smullen 1725 - 1780

Editor: We’re looking at “Veel zoeken door practijk haar keel en beurs te vullen / En op het paar-gaten te srinken en te smullen,” an engraving made sometime between 1725 and 1780 by Johannes (II) Kannewet. It’s a complex scene, divided into four parts, and gives off a definite satirical vibe. What's your take on this work? Curator: Satire it is, and isn't it fascinating how artists use wit to hold a mirror to society? The scenes are filled with busy little figures and text! It seems like a Dutch Golden Age comic strip. I wonder if the title can give us a clue. The engraving shows scenes of celebration and excess, the indulgence of food and drink…what might that be suggesting about 18th century Dutch culture? Editor: It seems to suggest there was something worth poking fun at, maybe societal imbalances or the behaviors of certain classes? Curator: Exactly. Printmaking made art accessible, enabling these witty commentaries to circulate widely, becoming catalysts for dialogue and critique. This piece isn't just a pretty picture; it's a socio-political statement, a giggle with teeth! Editor: I see that now – it's like a visual social media post of its time. Curator: Precisely. And each detail, from the lavish feasts to the chaotic gatherings, has layers of meaning that echo across the centuries. Perhaps this era wasn't always golden for everyone. Editor: It really does invite you to look closer, past the initial humour. Thanks for the insightful look into this Golden Age comic!