Gevoel (Sense of Touch) - Pieter Pickaert

A Dutch mezzotint depicting an elderly man exploring the sense of touch through the use of a compass, from an allegorical series on the five senses.

This mezzotint, titled Gevoel (Sense of Touch), is part of a series depicting the five senses. Pieter Pickaert, a Dutch engraver active during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, employs the mezzotint technique to achieve a soft, tonal quality. This method allows for subtle gradations of light and shadow, which define the figure and the surrounding space.

The subject is an elderly man, captured in a moment of tactile engagement. He holds a pair of compasses, resting his hand upon a surface, while a decorated vessel sits nearby. His expression is one of concentration, his brow furrowed beneath a fur-lined cap. The composition focuses on the physical interaction between the man and the objects, illustrating the concept of touch through a domestic, allegorical lens. The dark, moody background typical of the mezzotint process draws the viewer into the scene, creating a sense of intimacy.

Pickaert was known for his work in this medium, often producing prints that explored human character and sensory experience. The inclusion of the title T GEVOEL at the base of the print confirms its place within a larger allegorical set. The print demonstrates the technical skill required to manipulate copper plates to produce such deep, velvety blacks and delicate highlights. It remains a representative example of the Dutch tradition of allegorical printmaking, where everyday figures were used to represent abstract concepts. The work provides a glimpse into the artistic interests of the period, where the study of the senses was a common theme in both painting and print culture. The print is preserved in various museum collections, documenting the reach of Pickaert's output during his career.