De Kunst verstoot de Wellust 1703 - 1775

Louis Fabritius Dubourg created this drawing entitled 'De Kunst verstoot de Wellust', or 'Art Rejects Lust', in the 18th century. The scene allegorically contrasts artistic virtue with earthly indulgence through symbolic figures. The figure of Art, often associated with reason and intellect, is elevated above a more voluptuous figure representing Lust, surrounded by cherubs and earthly pleasures. Made in the Netherlands during the Enlightenment, this piece reflects the period's values, emphasizing reason, morality, and the pursuit of knowledge over sensual gratification. It echoes the prevailing cultural attitudes that sought to use art as a moral compass, steering society toward virtue. Understanding such works requires us to delve into period writings on aesthetics and morality. Ultimately, this drawing encapsulates a moment in time when art was perceived as a tool for social and ethical betterment, an ideal deeply entwined with the institutional and cultural contexts of its creation.