Lust c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's etching, "Lust." It’s small but mighty, and there's something so unsettling about the central figure. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Unsettling is right! Callot’s “Lust” dives deep into symbolism. The goat, that’s pure animalistic desire. The bird? Fleeting pleasure. The skeletal figure overhead? A reminder of the consequences. It's like Callot's saying, "Enjoy yourself, but remember what lurks around the corner." Don't you think it's a bit moralizing? Editor: Absolutely, I didn't catch that at first glance. So, it's not just a depiction of lust, but a commentary on it? Curator: Precisely! It's a tiny morality play, etched with incredible detail. I always learn something new from these old prints. Editor: Me too! Seeing the layers of meaning really brings it alive.