Voeding van het lichaam wordt belangrijker geacht dan voeding voor de ziel 1610 - 1676

Editor: So, here we have a 17th-century engraving by Philips Galle, titled "Voeding van het lichaam wordt belangrijker geacht dan voeding voor de ziel"—that is, "Nourishment of the body is considered more important than nourishment for the soul." The detail is incredible. There's a bizarre, almost unsettling mood about it...an ass in a fancy feathered headpiece, seated at a table laden with food. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful indictment of earthly priorities rendered through potent symbolism. The ass, adorned in finery, instantly registers as folly and misplaced value. Notice how he's presented equal to, perhaps even favored over, the human figure who feeds him. It evokes a world where superficial pleasure eclipses deeper intellectual and spiritual pursuits. The piper represents a distraction, further diminishing awareness of a higher purpose. Don't you find the architectural setting both grounding and claustrophobic? Editor: Definitely. The archway in the background gives a sense of space but it is almost entirely blocked, drawing attention to the interior. Is the table with food and drink an allusion to "the last supper?" Curator: The Last Supper provides interesting contrast, it's definitely more a commentary on the decadence of the era. Consider that the objects themselves carry meaning. The abundance of food signals indulgence, and the placement of a grotesque donkey suggests the bestial or uncivilized overtaking humankind, losing oneself in pure gratification. The engraving employs visual symbols, referencing the continuous struggle between reason and desire. Editor: So, Galle is making a broader point, beyond just critiquing eating habits. Curator: Exactly. It reflects on how we choose to feed ourselves, materially versus spiritually. He seems to be saying that neglecting inner enrichment leads to absurdity, symbolized by the feathered ass at a feast. The inscription makes that very clear, also. Editor: I never would have picked up on so much. Seeing how the artist used symbols makes me view it as a wake-up call. Curator: Indeed, and an eternal reminder that transcends the Baroque period.