Man bezeten door hebzucht c. 1842 - 1900

"Man Possessed by Greed" is a lithograph by Dutch artist Wilhelmus Petrus van Geldorp, created sometime between 1842 and 1900. The artwork depicts a man, seemingly possessed by greed, being led astray by a devilish figure while his family looks on in despair. The scene is rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing the contrast between the man's avarice and the innocence of his family. The lithograph captures the perils of unchecked ambition and the devastating impact it can have on those closest to the individual. The artwork's subject matter, as well as its use of dramatic chiaroscuro and fine detail, suggests it could be categorized as a "moralistic" or "cautionary" genre piece, intended to inspire contemplation about the dangers of excessive greed and its potential consequences.