Pleasures of Occupation 1610 - 1684

Cornelis Bloemaert created this etching, "Pleasures of Occupation," sometime in the 17th century. At first glance, we see a scene of bucolic leisure, but let us delve deeper into its symbols. Note the jug held by the man. Vessels have always been powerful symbols – think of the Holy Grail or Pandora’s Box. Here, it represents sustenance, perhaps even intoxication, a vessel of earthly delight. Recall how such containers appear in classical bacchanals and peasant festivals alike. These vessels are receptacles of life's elixirs, embodying both physical and spiritual fulfillment. The basket, held by the woman, echoes this theme. Baskets are often associated with harvests and abundance, also linking to images of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. These objects are more than mere containers; they are carriers of cultural memory, embodying the cyclical nature of human desires and the persistent pursuit of pleasure. They represent a constant return to primal needs, resurfacing across centuries.