Gluttony, from the Vices

Art Historical Context

Heinrich Aldegrever's *Gluttony, from the Vices* (1552 is a striking engraving from the Northern Renaissance, capturing one of the seven deadly sins in vivid moral allegory. Aldegrever, a German artist and goldsmith from Soest, was part of the "Little Masters"—engravers renowned for their masterful work on intimate scales. Created amid the Protestant Reformation, this print reflects the era's intense focus on personal piety and ethical conduct, using art to warn against excess through symbolic imagery typical of vice series popular in 16th-century Europe. Measuring just 10.3 × 6.2 cm on ivory laid paper, the work showcases engraving's precision: fine lines incised into a metal plate, inked, and pressed to produce rich blacks and subtle tones. This technique allowed for affordable dissemination of complex ideas, making moral lessons accessible beyond elite patrons. Aldegrever's intricate detail in such a tiny format highlights his technical virtuosity, blending Gothic intricacy with emerging Renaissance naturalism. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings collection, *Gluttony* invites reflection on timeless human vices. These prints were cherished by collectors for their didactic power, blending artistry with spiritual guidance in an age of religious upheaval. A gem of graphic innovation!

About the Artist

Heinrich Aldegrever · 1502–1561

Heinrich Aldegrever, born in 1502 in Paderborn, Westphalia, to parents Herman and Katherine Trippenmeker—a family of clog-makers known by the dialect name Trippenmecker—emerged as a multifaceted artist in the German Renaissance. His early training remains undocumented, though he likely apprenticed in a Soest goldsmith's workshop after relocating there around 1525, where he joined the painters' gui...