De luiwammes laat zich ronddragen c. 1683

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli created this print, “De luiwammes laat zich ronddragen,” whose date is unknown, using etching. Notice the stark contrast between the dark lines of the figures and the surrounding white space, focusing our attention on the central scene. The composition is structured around three figures: one carried in a makeshift chair by two others. Mitelli’s use of line is particularly striking. The fine, precise lines delineate each figure with great attention to detail. Consider the symbolic weight of this composition. The central figure, seemingly carefree, is supported by the labor of others. This arrangement challenges conventional hierarchies. Are we looking at a critique of social roles and power structures? Mitelli destabilizes established meanings through a reversal of expected behaviors. The seemingly light-hearted subject matter hints at deeper socio-political commentaries, which would have resonated with his contemporaries. Ultimately, the artwork’s strength lies in its structural organization. It serves as a powerful tool for exploring themes of dependence, societal expectations, and the destabilization of fixed roles.