Overindulgence Collection

The Romans of the Decadence, 1847. Artist: Thomas Couture
The Romans of the Decadence, 1847. From the collection of the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University Art Museums, Massachusetts, USA

The Crystal Palace and its Refreshments; Animals not yet "Extinct" in the Crystal Palace, 1854. From "Cassells Illustrated Family Paper; London Weekly 31/12/1853 - 30/12/1854"

The Crystal Palace and its Refreshments; Gentlemen Visitors over-refreshed, 1854. Creator: George Cruikshank
The Crystal Palace and its Refreshments; Gentlemen Visitors over-refreshed, 1854. From "Cassells Illustrated Family Paper; London Weekly 31/12/1853 - 30/12/1854"

The Crystal Palace and its Refreshments; Gentlemen Visitors over-refreshed, 1854. Creator: George Cruikshank
The Crystal Palace and its Refreshments; Gentlemen Visitors over-refreshed, 1854. From "Cassells Illustrated Family Paper; London Weekly 31/12/1853 - 30/12/1854"

The Crystal Palace and its Refreshments; A Prospective Perspective View, 1854. Creator: Unknown
The Crystal Palace and its Refreshments; A Prospective Perspective View, 1854. From "Cassells Illustrated Family Paper; London Weekly 31/12/1853 - 30/12/1854"

She and he, the last bomb - Emile Loubet and Marianne fall asleep at the Xmas table, 1905. (litho)
3666845 She and he, the last bomb - Emile Loubet and Marianne fall asleep at the Xmas table, 1905. (litho) by Camara, Leal de (1877-1948); Private Collection; (add.info)

Drunken actors (chromolitho)
3622252 Drunken actors (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Drunken actors.); © Look and Learn

The Ale House (engraving)
6000807 The Ale House (engraving) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Ale House. Illustration for Scraps and Sketches by George Cruikshank (no publishers name)

Pitous Mid-Lent (colour litho)
6001224 Pitous Mid-Lent (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Pitous Mid-Lent. Illustration from 20 Images, Dispositions Diverses (Imagerie d Epinal)

He who has drunk will drink (chromolitho)
2817015 He who has drunk will drink (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: He who has drunk will drink)

Christmas. Illustration for Le Rire (colour litho)
2786612 Christmas. Illustration for Le Rire (colour litho) by Egli, Charles Emile called Carlegle (1877-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Christmas)

Delicious Dreams! Castles in the Air! Glorious Prospects
2632294 Delicious Dreams! Castles in the Air! Glorious Prospects! vide An Afternoon Nap after the Fatigue of an Official Dinner (coloured engraving) by Gillray

Man nursing a hangover (colour litho)
6000015 Man nursing a hangover (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Man nursing a hangover. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Gluttony and temperance (colour litho)
3095592 Gluttony and temperance (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gluttony and temperance. Gourmandise et temperance)

Delicious Dreams: Castles in the Air! - Glorious Prospects!, pub
3025926 Delicious Dreams: Castles in the Air! - Glorious Prospects!, pub. 1808 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Drunk Student (engraving)
3648035 The Drunk Student (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Drunk Student)

An Exquisite Taste, with an Enlarged Understanding, 1827. Artist: G Hunt
An Exquisite Taste, with an Enlarged Understanding, 1827. A man suffering from gout, sittting at a table laden with food and drink

Bacchanalian Group, from a very old Vase, 1852. Artist: John Leech
Bacchanalian Group, from a very old Vase, 1852. From The Comic History of Rome, by Gilbert A A Beckett, illustrated by John Leech. [Bradbury, Agnew & Co, London, 1852]

The Effects of Intemperance, 1663-1665. Artist: Jan Steen
The Effects of Intemperance, 1663-1665. Found in the collection of the National Gallery, London

Dr Johnson and James Boswell recovering from a hangover after a night on the town. Artist: Thomas Rowlandson
Dr Johnson and James Boswell recovering from a hangover after a night on the town. Boswell has a Bible open and reads: be not filled with wine wherein is excess

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"Indulgence Unleashed: A Historical Journey into Excess" Step back in time and explore the captivating world through art. From the opulent Romans to the festive Christmas tables, these captivating artworks depict humanity's insatiable desire for more. In Thomas Couture's "The Romans of the Decadence, " we witness a lavish banquet where excess knows no bounds. The figures revel in their gluttony, oblivious to any consequences that may follow. Moving forward, "Of Gluttonie" presents a woodcut from 1569 that portrays mankind's unquenchable appetite for indulgence. This artwork serves as a stark reminder of our eternal struggle with self-control. Emile Loubet and Marianne take center stage in "She and he, the last bomb. " As they doze off at the Christmas table in 1905, this lithograph symbolizes how even during joyous occasions they can overpower us. Delving deeper into society's vices, we encounter "Drunken actors. " This chromolitho captures performers lost in intoxication - an all too familiar scene throughout history. "The Ale House" engraving transports us to rowdy taverns where merriment often leads to excessive drinking. It reminds us that indulging beyond measure has long been part of human nature. "Pitous Mid-Lent" showcases colorful lithography depicting individuals celebrating excessively during Lenten festivities. These images serve as cautionary tales against losing oneself amidst temporary pleasures. "He who has drunk will drink, " another vibrant chromolitho warns against falling into repetitive cycles of indulgence without restraint or reflection on its consequences. Leaping forward to modern times, we find ourselves immersed in holiday cheer with "Christmas Illustration for Le Rire. " Amidst laughter and mirth lies a subtle message about moderation during festive seasons. But it is not just grand celebrations; even in everyday life, indulgence can take its toll. "Mr.