Vette keuken 1597 - 1649

Hans Liefrinck created this engraving called "Vette Keuken", or "Fat Kitchen," sometime in the mid-16th century. Notice how the composition is densely packed, almost overflowing, with figures and objects, creating a sense of chaotic abundance. Liefrinck uses a complex arrangement of lines to define the forms, from the plump bodies of the kitchen staff to the array of pots, pans, and food. These curving lines contrast with the straight lines of the architecture to create depth and texture. The subject matter and the density of the composition could be seen as a commentary on the excesses of the time, perhaps critiquing the opulence and indulgence of the wealthy. The image's structure invites us to decode the underlying social and cultural values. What does this chaotic abundance mean? Liefrinck's piece offers a window into a world where consumption and display are brought to the fore, inviting us to consider the social and cultural codes at play.