Man bezeten door hebzucht c. 1842 - 1900

Wilhelmus Petrus van Geldorp’s drawing presents us with a man in period attire, possessed, as the title suggests, by greed. We see how he protects his chest, full of coins, from his family on the left, while on his right shoulder sits a demonic figure. Note the demon. Since ancient times, demons have appeared in art as embodiments of temptation and evil. The depiction of demons is not confined to Christian art. Consider the demons in Buddhist art who tempt Buddha. These figures serve as visual metaphors for the internal struggles and moral choices faced by individuals across cultures. The posture of the demonic figure in this drawing is also interesting. The demon's knowing smile and relaxed posture suggests a deep-seated aspect of the human psyche, one that lurks beneath the surface and influences actions, a concept rooted in the subconscious. The struggle between virtue and vice, so eloquently expressed in this drawing, is a recurring theme. It appears and reappears through time, reflecting our enduring efforts to understand and come to terms with the darker aspects of human nature.