Monnik met uitgestoken tong (La Médisance) - Jacob Gole

A satirical mezzotint by Jacob Gole depicting a mocking monk, titled 'La Médisance', which critiques hypocrisy and deceit through caricature.

This mezzotint by Jacob Gole, titled 'Monnik met uitgestoken tong' or 'La Médisance' (Slander), offers a sharp critique of hypocrisy within the religious orders of the early eighteenth century. Gole, a Dutch engraver and publisher active in Amsterdam, was known for his technical skill in the mezzotint medium, which allowed for the soft transitions and deep tonal contrasts visible in this portrait.

The subject is depicted in profile, wearing a monk's habit, with a grotesque, exaggerated facial expression. The figure sticks out his tongue, a gesture that conveys mockery and deceit. Attached to his hood is a small object resembling a clapper or rattle, often associated with jesters or charlatans, while a plaque hanging around his neck explicitly labels him 'le Charlatan'. The circular framing of the portrait draws the viewer's focus to the distorted features of the face, emphasising the artist's intent to caricature the subject.

Below the image, the text provides further context for the satire. The French verse describes a character who flatters to one's face while acting like a devil behind one's back. It portrays the monk as a spreader of gossip and malice, contrasting his religious attire with his dishonest behaviour. The inclusion of the number 21 suggests this print was part of a larger series of satirical or moralising works, a common format for Dutch prints of the period intended for a broad audience. Gole's work captures the biting wit of the era, using the medium of print to circulate social commentary. The fine gradations of tone achieved through the mezzotint process give the figure a tactile, almost sculptural quality, despite the fantastical and distorted nature of the caricature.