Onmatigheid (Gula) 1619 - 1675

Lucas Vorsterman I created this engraving, "Onmatigheid (Gula)," which translates to "Intemperance (Gluttony)," sometime in the 17th century. It offers a window into the social and moral values of the Dutch Golden Age. The print depicts a man embracing a large jug, his face contorted in a somewhat manic grin. "Gula" is Latin for gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins. The image uses visual codes that would have been easily understood by viewers at the time. Excessive drinking and feasting were often associated with moral decay and social disruption. In the context of the deeply religious society of the Netherlands, Vorsterman's print can be seen as a critique of such excess. To fully appreciate this work, we can turn to period literature, religious tracts, and social histories to understand the attitudes toward intemperance. By examining these sources, we understand the role of art in shaping social behavior and the complex relationship between artistic expression and the moral fabric of society.