Gierigheid (Avaritia) 1834 - 1892

Editor: This engraving, "Avaritia" by Edouard Taurel, dating from 1834 to 1892, really strikes me. The figure, clutching those bags, just seems so consumed, so… desperate. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond the figure's immediate appearance, it's vital to understand the socio-political context of the artwork. During this era, the rise of capitalism and anxieties about wealth accumulation were prominent. Taurel uses the allegorical figure to critique this obsession. Have you noticed how the figure is positioned within an archway almost like a saint? Editor: Yes, the framing is very deliberate. Is it meant to be ironic, like a warped sort of reverence? Curator: Exactly. The arch, usually a symbol of triumph or holiness, becomes a stage for the vice of avarice. Think about the impact of representing a human flaw in such a structured, almost monumental way. Does it diminish the sin, or does it amplify it by giving it prominence within a social hierarchy? It begs the question: what message about wealth and status was Taurel trying to convey? Editor: That is interesting, because while the person doesn't seem glorified at all, the composition grants it a certain… importance. So, this isn't just a depiction of greed, but also a statement about how society elevates wealth? Curator: Precisely! The print becomes a powerful commentary, implicating the viewer in this cycle of ambition and accumulation. Consider how the Rijksmuseum contextualizes it in our current world and consumer culture. Editor: I never would have considered how deeply embedded it was in a conversation about society. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: And thank you, it's crucial for a museum to spark this kind of analysis!