Allegory of Covetousness
About this artwork
This oil painting depicts an allegorical scene representing greed, featuring figures in elaborate 17th-century attire surrounded by vessels of coins and precious objects. It is part of the collection at the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
Did you know?
This painting serves as a stern moral warning against the sin of avarice, a common theme in Northern European art during the early 17th century. By contrasting the immense wealth displayed in the foreground with the landscape beyond, the artist highlights the vanity of material possessions and their ultimate lack of spiritual value.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
Allegory of Covetousness
Herman Hahn, 1604
On your wall. Unlock the 4K download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
