Gulzigheid (Gula) 1593

This engraving, "Gulzigheid" or "Gula", now at the Rijksmuseum, portrays one of the seven deadly sins through potent symbols. The corpulent figure holds a laden plate, her gaze fixed, embodying gluttony. The imagery of excessive eating isn't unique to this piece; it echoes through art history, from medieval morality plays to Hieronymus Bosch's grotesque feasts. This figure, however, transcends mere overindulgence. Her bulging form and singular focus represent a deeper, psychological hunger—an insatiable desire mirrored in the endless cycle of consumption, a theme that recurs across cultures and epochs. Consider the cyclical nature of symbols: the serpent eating its tail, the ouroboros, a metaphor for eternal return. Similarly, the sin of gluttony, depicted here, is not merely about food; it represents the human tendency towards excess, forever resurfacing, forever relevant. It's a stark reminder of our primal urges and the delicate balance between need and greed.