Allegorie van de dronkenschap 1788

This small print, Allegory of Drunkenness, was created by Christian Bernhard Rode, probably in Berlin. The etching technique used here – with its reliance on line – perfectly captures the queasy feeling of being tipsy. Look closely, and you'll see that Rode has made a few key choices. The woman's posture, perched precariously on a barrel, suggests a loss of control. The act of drinking itself, presented with an open vessel held high, is excessive. But it’s the etching itself that drives the point home. The lines are uneven, almost frantic, conveying a sense of disarray. The choice of printing, rather than painting or sculpture, also connects the image to mass production. Prints were relatively inexpensive and accessible, spreading the message about the dangers of overindulgence widely. So, next time you raise a glass, remember Rode's etching. It’s a reminder that materials, making, and context all come together to give an artwork its full meaning.