COQUES, Gonzales - Taste (Artwork) T-Shirt

A Taste of 17th-Century Sensuality

This t-shirt design showcases a detail from "Taste," one of a five-painting series representing the five senses, created by or attributed to Flemish Baroque painter Gonzales Coques. The artwork is a captivating glimpse into the allegorical tradition prevalent in the 17th-century Low Countries.

The Essence of Taste

The design prominently features the central scene of the "Taste" artwork. It depicts a man, most likely an artist of the time, engaging in the act of tasting wine. A roemer, or wine glass, is held in his hand. The scene is completed by a table set with oysters and bread, typical fare found in the taverns of the era. The selection of these elements is symbolic, clearly representing the sense of taste through the depiction of the enjoyment of food and drink.

A Portrait of the Artistic Community

The "Five Senses" series, from which this design is derived, is believed to feature portraits of fellow Antwerp artists. This detail adds another layer of intrigue and significance to the artwork. The design captures not only a sense, but also a glimpse into the social dynamics and portraiture of the artistic community.

Intimate and Domestic

The original painting is intimate and small-scale. The design captures that atmosphere. The choice of the everyday activity of eating and drinking in the design makes the artwork approachable. It reflects the bourgeois taste and lifestyle of the 17th century.