Gierigheid 1636 - 1700

Editor: This engraving, "Gierigheid" or "Avarice," by Jean de Weert, likely dates to the late 17th century, judging by its style. I'm immediately struck by the contrast: the careful detail given to the woman's face versus the stark darkness of the background. What story do you think it’s telling? Curator: Well, let’s think about the broader context. During the Dutch Golden Age, there was a fascination – and indeed, often a moralizing critique – of wealth and its pursuit. This engraving, with its explicit title and inscription, participates in that tradition, portraying a woman engrossed in weighing her coins. Notice how the composition and use of scales evoke associations with justice and fairness, creating a visual paradox when combined with the theme of greed. Editor: So, is it condemning wealth accumulation itself, or something more specific? Curator: That’s the key question, isn't it? Engravings like this circulated widely, influencing public opinion. The portrayal isn’t simply about wealth; it's about its *abuse* – the way it consumes an individual, leading to a solitary, perhaps even dehumanizing existence. What do you make of the presence of both the scales and the bag of money? Editor: That’s interesting. I see the scales representing careful calculation, whereas the bulging bag implies abundance… maybe even excess. So, there’s both the act of accumulating *and* the existing accumulation on display here. Curator: Precisely. Think about the potential audiences for this print. Would it have resonated differently depending on their own social and economic positions? Consider also the role the print trade played in shaping ideas about morality and societal values in the Dutch Republic. Editor: It’s really eye-opening to consider how the image interacts with social commentary and moral instruction through such symbols. The details and how widely they circulated adds a lot to how it’s interpreted.