Taste c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Taste," an engraving by Pieter de Jode the Elder, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The figures are statuesque, almost austere, yet there's a sensuality implied by the abundance of fruit. The composition is quite formal. Curator: Indeed, the artist has employed a careful balance, juxtaposing the architectural structure on the left with the natural elements on the right. The use of line creates a clear hierarchy. Editor: I find myself drawn to the materiality of the print itself, the evidence of the artist’s hand in the fine lines, the labor involved in its creation, and its function as a commodity. Curator: It’s intriguing how the allegorical figure embodies taste, not merely as flavor, but as discernment and refinement. The very act of looking becomes a form of sensory engagement. Editor: Perhaps the artist intended to elevate the everyday act of consumption to something divine, a meditation on pleasure and its production. Curator: A compelling thought, viewing the print as a commentary on both the artistic process and the human experience of savoring the world around us.