Remorses of Cain c. 17th century

Editor: This is Gérard de Lairesse's "Remorses of Cain," an etching. The scene is unsettling, filled with violence and guilt. What narrative layers do you see in this depiction? Curator: It's powerful, isn't it? De Lairesse uses the Cain and Abel story to dissect societal anxieties around transgression, divine judgment, and fratricide. The burning offering, Abel's lifeless body, and Cain's weapon embody a rupture in patriarchal order. How might contemporary audiences interpret this exploration of moral decay? Editor: Perhaps as a reflection on cyclical violence and the burden of history? Curator: Precisely. Consider how gender dynamics play out here too – the absence of female figures underscores the narrative's focus on masculine aggression and accountability. Does it perhaps offer insights into modern societal structures? Editor: Definitely a lot to think about here, from a gendered perspective, and a modern point of view.