Man moet kiezen tussen vermaak en de wetenschap 1608

Jacob van der Heyden's 1608 engraving, "Man moet kiezen tussen vermaak en de wetenschap," depicts a man being pulled in two directions. A woman, representing pleasure, holds a string attached to his hand while a man, representing science, pulls on another string attached to his neck. This allegorical work is a commentary on the struggles of choosing between pleasure and knowledge, a common theme in Dutch art of the period. The scene is set in a city landscape, suggesting the man's intellectual pursuits and the social context of his dilemma. Surrounding him are objects related to science and art, further highlighting the choice he faces. This small-scale print, measuring just 95 mm by 136 mm, is a testament to the Dutch penchant for intricate detail and insightful symbolism.