Lust (Luxuria) from The Seven Deadly Sins 1558

Curator: Pieter van der Heyden created this intricate engraving, "Lust (Luxuria) from The Seven Deadly Sins," around 1558. It's currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: It's…a bit overwhelming! So much going on! There's a kind of nightmarish carnival vibe, if carnivals involved lots more questionable behavior and creatures. Curator: Exactly. The detailed pen work makes for a rich tapestry of interwoven figures and architectural elements. Van der Heyden translated the design of a supposed Bruegel to highlight, quite explicitly, the theme of lust, also reflected in the Latin inscription in the foreground. Editor: It really does feel like Bruegel’s chaotic world brought to…well, a more lascivious level, as he so often likes. See those nude figures tumbling every which way, and the weird structures—they’re practically oozing sensuality, even though most of it’s grotesque. Curator: The social commentary is key. Engravings like this circulated widely, acting as visual warnings against moral laxity and uncontrolled desire. We need to consider it as both a luxury item—printed on paper—and a moralizing tool for its consumers. Editor: It's interesting how accessible these prints are and what kind of impact that has. You know, while the whole scene feels designed to shock and disgust, I can’t help but be fascinated by the craftsmanship. How long would this kind of work take back then, I wonder, with those kinds of materials? Curator: The skill involved would be considerable; the time needed to translate such complex compositions onto the plate surely a matter of weeks or months, requiring great expertise in the use of burins and etching tools. The print making economy allowed for the commodification of Bruegel's popular art in the context of expanding print production markets. Editor: A curious paradox then: a condemnation of earthly indulgence made through incredibly skilled artistry, packaged as a commodity. Curator: Indeed, art both feeding into and warning against temptation; now if that's not some perfect ironic commentary, I don't know what is! Editor: And I will be sure to heed its warning. Off to the gift shop, now; I hope they have this on a mug!