Belittling Collection (#5)

THE ZAPOROGUES COSSACKS WRITING A LETTER TO THE SULTAN OF TURKEY, 1880-1891 (oil on canvas)
7215359 THE ZAPOROGUES COSSACKS WRITING A LETTER TO THE SULTAN OF TURKEY, 1880-1891 (oil on canvas) by Repin, Ilya Efimovich (1844-1930); Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Mockery, women bathing (colour litho)
7150537 Mockery, women bathing (colour litho) by Scalbert, Jules (1851-1928) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mockery, women bathing)

Caricature of a lusty old woman with a young man (woodcut)
7201587 Caricature of a lusty old woman with a young man (woodcut) by German School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Caricature of a lusty old woman with a young man)

Boys mocking a tall footmans hat (litho)
7201197 Boys mocking a tall footmans hat (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Boys mocking a tall footmans hat)

Episodes from the story of King Charles VII of France and Joan of Arc (chromolitho)
7185105 Episodes from the story of King Charles VII of France and Joan of Arc (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Satire on wicked women (engraving)
7201575 Satire on wicked women (engraving) by German School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Satire on wicked women)

Devils bagpipes, German caricature about the vices of monks (colour litho)
7201529 Devils bagpipes, German caricature about the vices of monks (colour litho) by German School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Devils bagpipes)

All twisted, cartoon mocking the pitfalls of the printing process (litho)
7200685 All twisted, cartoon mocking the pitfalls of the printing process (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: All twisted)

The hair doesn t justify, cartoon mocking the pitfalls of the printing process (litho)
7200683 The hair doesn t justify, cartoon mocking the pitfalls of the printing process (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The hair doesn t justify)

Procession of 1741 in London mocking Freemasons, 1843 (engraving)
741521 Procession of 1741 in London mocking Freemasons, 1843 (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Captured German officer in Paris
" His triumphant entry into Paris" - reads the sarcastic comment on this card, depicting a captured German officer surrounded by French soldiers

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"Belittling: A Reflection of Human Nature Through Art" Art has always been a powerful medium to express the complexities of human behavior, and one recurring theme that emerges is the act of belittling. From centuries-old masterpieces to modern lithographs, artists have captured moments where individuals mock and deride others, shedding light on our innate inclination towards superiority. In "Christ Crowned with Thorns (Mocked Christ), " painted in 1620, we witness the cruel mockery inflicted upon Jesus during his crucifixion. The painting serves as a reminder of how even divinity can be subjected to belittlement by those who revel in their power. Similarly, "The Mocking of Christ" from 1612-13 portrays the humiliation suffered by Jesus at the hands of his tormentors. This artwork highlights humanity's capacity for cruelty when faced with vulnerability and challenges us to reflect on our own actions towards others. Moving beyond religious contexts, "Lysistrata and his allies defending the access of the acropolis to men by farts, " created in 1896 as a lithograph, takes a satirical approach. It showcases how humor can be used as a tool for belittlement while addressing gender dynamics within society. The various depictions found in "Copy of The Crowning of Thorns" or "Arlequin and Leandre drink and sing while mocking Pierrot" demonstrate that belittling extends beyond specific historical events or religious figures. These artworks reveal an underlying truth about human nature – our tendency to derive pleasure from demeaning others. Furthermore, through works like "The Almost-Night Fool, " "The Falsifier Fool, " or even "The Usury Fool, " we encounter different facets of belittlement personified as fools. These illustrations serve as cautionary tales against succumbing to such behaviors ourselves - reminding us that it is not only harmful but also prevents goodness from flourishing within society.