Luiheid (Acedia) 1585 - 1589

"Luiheid (Acedia)" is an etching by Jacob Matham, created between 1585 and 1589. This detailed drawing depicts the figure of Acedia, one of the seven deadly sins, portrayed as a woman draped in flowing robes. The sketchy outline of a figure, perhaps an angel, behind Acedia suggests that the piece was intended as a study for a larger composition. Acedia, also known as sloth or spiritual apathy, was a prominent theme in moralizing art of the Dutch Golden Age. The etching is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, Netherlands.