Gierigheid (Avaritia) 1619 - 1675

Lucas Vorsterman the Elder created this engraving, "Avaritia," sometime between 1640 and 1675. The subject is immediately striking: an avaricious man clutching a bulging sack. Coins are scattered across the table, yet his eyes fixate on the weighty bag in his arms. Vorsterman masterfully employs chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark. The light emphasizes the man's gleeful expression, while the shadows accentuate the depth of his greed. Through line and form, Vorsterman isn’t just depicting a scene but dissecting a moral failing. Each line seems deliberately etched to reveal the inner landscape of avarice. The composition is deceptively simple. The figure is centrally positioned, with the table acting as a stage for his performance of greed. The coins, though small, add a layer of complexity, signifying that avarice is not about need but about insatiable want. This piece challenges us to look beyond the surface, questioning the values that drive human behavior.