Gulzigheid (Gula) 1585 - 1589

Curator: Here we have Jacob Matham's "Gulzigheid (Gula)," created sometime between 1585 and 1589. It's an engraving, a stark, detailed piece of work from the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: My initial reaction? She feels burdened. The composition is crowded, almost claustrophobic, despite the landscape in the background. The weight of all that presumed decadence seems to press down on the central figure. Curator: Precisely! It’s an allegory for gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins. Note the figure – opulent, overflowing. One hand offers a platter of food, the other grasps a wine vessel. She's accompanied by a… somewhat bedraggled looking lion. Editor: The lion… yes. A fascinating addition. Lions often symbolize strength, courage, even royalty. Here, it's listless, mirroring, perhaps, the self-destructive nature of unchecked appetite and addiction in the human figure. And that Dutch and Latin inscription at the bottom, that's adding some nice dark humor. Curator: Matham was a master engraver; the level of detail in the lines is incredible. He really captured that Mannerist style—elongated figures, theatrical poses. And consider the historical context: this piece would have served as a moral lesson. Editor: Right. And that lesson wasn't neutral. Whose appetites were policed? Whose bodies were pathologized? These allegories often reinforce existing power structures, dictating what's 'acceptable' consumption. Was this about food, or social position and wealth? Who gets to over-indulge, and who is told they are overindulging? Curator: You make an important point. It forces us to reflect: even these historical images were participating in narratives about privilege and power. It certainly adds layers, doesn’t it? I came in focused on his rendering skills! Editor: Always. It challenges us to really reflect on the work being done by art. Looking at the way that figure is presented in this engraving is pretty insightful and brings a deeper, more complex layer of interpretation to Matham's work. Curator: Exactly. An unexpected depth charge of relevance for today. Editor: Absolutely. Food for thought, wouldn’t you say?