Ongelijke liefde 1548 - 1630

Jacob Goltzius created this engraving, "Unequal Love", using burin and etching. The stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the detailed textures, from the woman's wrinkled face to the young man's feathered hat. The composition is arranged to highlight the imbalance in the relationship. The aged woman sits heavily, clutching coins, while the youthful man leans towards her, his hand suggestively near her lap. This deliberate juxtaposition of youth and age, wealth and desire, creates a sense of unease. Goltzius uses the semiotic system of body language, and wealth symbols to convey the transactional nature of their interaction. In contrast with the woman's lined skin and modest clothing, the man is adorned with flamboyant clothing, drawing attention to his youth and physicality. The sword he wears alludes to power and perhaps aggression. It's a commentary on the social and moral complexities inherent in relationships founded on disparity rather than mutual affection.