Smaak 1596

This is "Smaak," or "Taste," an engraving made by Nicolaes Jansz. Clock. The visual field is dominated by the figure of a woman, semi-nude, set within a natural landscape. Her form is rendered with delicate lines and a sense of depth. The composition is structured around her body, and an interesting contrast exists between her smooth skin and the detailed textures of the cloth draped around her and the fruits she holds. This artwork appears to engage with the concept of the senses, using the female figure as a signifier of taste, her body acting as a vessel of sensory experience. The inclusion of fruits and vegetation further underscores the sensual qualities. Clock's work taps into broader cultural discourses around the body, nature, and perception. Ultimately, the piece provokes a sense of the aesthetic; the visual pleasure derived from its formal elements opens a discourse about sensuality and the artistic representation of the senses.