Gluttony after 1593

Editor: We're looking at "Gluttony," a pen and ink drawing made after 1593 by Hendrick Goltzius, housed here at the Art Institute. The subject matter definitely makes a statement, especially given its stark presentation. What stands out to you most about this print? Curator: What I find fascinating is Goltzius's deliberate act of creation. He wasn't simply depicting "Gluttony"; he was crafting it. Consider the tools at his disposal: pen, ink, and the printing process itself. Each line, each carefully etched mark, is a conscious decision reflecting not just skill, but the available technology of image dissemination and social critique. Editor: So it’s not just about the woman and the food, but about the materials used to represent her? Curator: Precisely. The material limitations of printmaking, with its emphasis on line and reproduction, influence how we perceive this allegory. The *act* of printing makes “Gluttony” more accessible, but does that diffusion dilute the potency of its social message? Editor: That's an interesting point. I hadn't thought about the impact of making such a vice widely available in print. So you are saying the physical artwork brings an intellectual concept closer to more people, changing that concept along the way? Curator: Absolutely! And consider where the resources came from to even create these artworks, for who, and with what goal in mind. Understanding the conditions under which Goltzius made this print provides us with insight into the function of art within a specific economic and social system. What will viewers take away from the "Gluttony" artwork if it enters their household through Goltzius' artistic printing process? How is the art influencing viewers' understanding of "Gluttony" within society at that time? Editor: I’m starting to think of printmaking less as just a technique and more as a vehicle for cultural commentary through material means. Curator: Exactly! By focusing on production and consumption, we can explore deeper meanings about the role this drawing had in 16th-century society. Editor: I'll definitely look at art with an eye on materials from now on. Thanks!