COQUES, Gonzales - Touch (Artwork) Crewneck Sweatshirt

Adorn yourself with the compelling design of Gonzales Coques' "Touch," a 17th-century masterpiece reimagined. This artwork, originally a small oil painting, is a key piece in Coques' series allegorically representing the five senses.

A Visual Exploration of Touch

The design prominently features the central figure of "Touch": a person engaged in the act of bloodletting. The figure, directly facing the viewer, has their sleeve rolled up, visually emphasizing the act. This striking pose invites the viewer into the scene, drawing attention to the focal point of the artwork.

Meaning and Symbolism

The depiction of bloodletting holds significant meaning. In the 17th century, bloodletting was a recognized medical practice, believed to be connected with the sense of touch. The artist uses this medical ritual to symbolize touch as it was believed to relate to the circulatory system which was believed to be distributed across the entire body. Unlike the other senses, which were primarily localized in the head, this painting conveys the widespread nature of touch.

The Central Work

The direct gaze of the figure suggests this artwork was intended to be the central piece of the five sense series, anchoring the viewer to the experience of touch. It's an exploration of how intangible experiences can be visually represented, blending portraiture with a commentary on 17th-century practices. It's a design that transcends its era and invites deeper contemplation.