Smaak 1736

Editor: This is "Smaak," an engraving by Jacques Philippe Le Bas from 1736, currently at the Rijksmuseum. There's something incredibly lively and immediate about it, even though it’s from so long ago. What sort of stories or symbols do you see woven into this image? Curator: Well, immediately, the raised hat, the basket overflowing with what looks like wine... These aren't merely objects; they are signifiers. The man becomes a symbol himself—of abundance, perhaps, or the joyous indulgence of the senses that the Baroque period so keenly explored. But what kind of story do these visual cues convey? Is he simply offering wares or proclaiming something more profound? Editor: I think he is celebrating something because the figure looks a bit festive. Does his attire signify anything specific from that period? Curator: Indeed. His clothes are not simply garments; they speak to a social standing, a trade, a role within his community. Notice the details: the cut of his coat, the style of his hat, the way he carries himself. All these visual elements carry weight, indicating not only profession, but a degree of aspiration, or maybe commentary. Can you imagine how the audience in 1736 might perceive that image? Editor: It makes me wonder if there's an element of performance, like he's intentionally playing a part to sell his goods, embodying the 'good life' for his customers. I am curious what 'Smaak' means though? Curator: Ah, ‘smaak’…or ‘taste.’ Not merely flavor, but a sense of refinement. Look closely. Each element speaks to sensory pleasure: the gleam of the bottles, the flourish of the gesture, inviting not just consumption but an elevation of the senses, a participation in the aesthetic values of the era. Food and drink aren't simply sustenance here; they symbolize cultural values. Editor: That's fascinating! It’s almost as if the artist is suggesting that through these simple pleasures, we can access a broader understanding of culture and status. Curator: Precisely. These images served not only as representations, but active participants in shaping values, creating connections between personal desires and collective identities. Editor: Thanks so much for helping unpack those layers. I hadn’t thought about how much cultural information is packed into such a simple looking picture. Curator: It shows the richness of a symbolic understanding. Images speak even when words fail, connecting us to those who looked at it long before we ever did.