Smaak 1600 - 1676

This anonymous engraving, titled 'Smaak' or 'Taste', was made sometime in the 17th century. It's one of a series depicting the five senses, made popular at the time. What makes it particularly interesting is how 'taste' is portrayed. A finely dressed woman samples fruit from a basket, set in what appears to be an outdoor courtyard, suggesting a cultivated and refined experience. In the 17th century, the concept of taste was evolving beyond mere physical sensation. It became associated with discernment, education, and social status. This image reflects a rising merchant class in the Netherlands. The social history of art helps us to understand that an image like this is less about food and more about the sensory experiences of a particular class and time. Studying costume, garden design, and even dining etiquette of the period can help us interpret the cultural values that the artist sought to convey.