l'Orgeuil (Pride) - Jacob Gole

A satirical mezzotint by Jacob Gole depicting an allegorical representation of Pride, featuring a figure in ecclesiastical dress with accompanying French verse.

This mezzotint by Jacob Gole, titled l'Orgeuil (Pride), belongs to a series exploring human vices. Gole, a Dutch engraver and publisher active in Amsterdam, utilised the mezzotint technique to achieve soft tonal transitions and a velvety depth that defines the shadows within this circular composition. The print depicts a figure dressed in ecclesiastical attire, clutching a crucifix with an expression that suggests hypocrisy or vanity. The inclusion of a small plaque inscribed with the words Le Maistre des Ceremonies adds a layer of satirical commentary to the subject.

Below the portrait, the French text provides a moralising critique of the figure, noting that while crosses, rosaries, and precious stones are ornaments of devotion, they often serve as objects of adoration directed toward the clergy rather than the divine. This work reflects the period's interest in moral allegories and the use of caricature to critique social or religious figures. The circular frame, or tondo, focuses the viewer's attention on the character's facial expression and the tactile quality of the vestments. Gole was known for his technical proficiency in mezzotint, a medium that allowed for the subtle rendering of light and texture seen here in the fabric and the beads of the rosary. The print serves as a historical example of how graphic arts were employed to disseminate social commentary in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The composition remains balanced, with the text providing a necessary context for the visual irony presented in the portrait.