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Slothful Collection

"Slothful: A Reflection on Laziness and Procrastination in Art" In the realm of art, the concept of slothfulness has been explored throughout history

Background imageSlothful Collection: The Parable of the Talents, c. 1884 (Oil on canvas)

The Parable of the Talents, c. 1884 (Oil on canvas)
7212780 The Parable of the Talents, c.1884 (Oil on canvas) by Rich, William George (1857-after 1901); The Ms Gallery, London, UK; (add.info.: Rich)

Background imageSlothful Collection: Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, 1624. Creator: Abraham Bloemaert

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, 1624. Creator: Abraham Bloemaert
Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, 1624

Background imageSlothful Collection: Sloth, c1621. Creator: Jacques Callot

Sloth, c1621. Creator: Jacques Callot
Sloth, c1621. From The Seven Deadly Sins

Background imageSlothful Collection: Sloth (Desidia), from the series The Seven Deadly Sins, 1558. Creator: Philip Galle

Sloth (Desidia), from the series The Seven Deadly Sins, 1558. Creator: Philip Galle
Sloth (Desidia), from the series The Seven Deadly Sins, 1558. After Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Background imageSlothful Collection: O: Idle, 1890 (illustration)

O: Idle, 1890 (illustration)
7309330 O: Idle, 1890 (illustration) by French School, (19th century); 20 x 14 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: in "Fun alphabet for little girls)

Background imageSlothful Collection: M N O P: Musician, Nest, Idle, Butterfly, 1890 (illustration)

M N O P: Musician, Nest, Idle, Butterfly, 1890 (illustration)
7309327 M N O P: Musician, Nest, Idle, Butterfly, 1890 (illustration) by French School, (19th century); 20 x 14 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: in "Fun alphabet for little girls)

Background imageSlothful Collection: The Fool Who Postpones Everything Until Tomorrow, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Postpones Everything Until Tomorrow, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308392 The Fool Who Postpones Everything Until Tomorrow, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageSlothful Collection: The Lazy Service-Messenger Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Lazy Service-Messenger Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308524 The Lazy Service-Messenger Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageSlothful Collection: The Lazy Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Lazy Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308470 The Lazy Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageSlothful Collection: Sloth, after the Seven Deadly Sins, ca. 1550-55. Creator: Leon Davent

Sloth, after the Seven Deadly Sins, ca. 1550-55. Creator: Leon Davent
Sloth, after the Seven Deadly Sins, ca. 1550-55

Background imageSlothful Collection: Duties towards oneself: the body. Work and laziness, 1919 (engraving)

Duties towards oneself: the body. Work and laziness, 1919 (engraving)
DUV4212719 Duties towards oneself: the body. Work and laziness, 1919 (engraving) by Dascher, G. (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Duties towards oneself: the body. Work and laziness)

Background imageSlothful Collection: Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Paresseux; Sluggard; Faulenzer (engraving)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Paresseux; Sluggard; Faulenzer (engraving)
7196975 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Paresseux; Sluggard; Faulenzer (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Paresseux; Sluggard; Faulenzer)

Background imageSlothful Collection: The Boys who never try to Know (engraving)

The Boys who never try to Know (engraving)
7165826 The Boys who never try to Know (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Boys who never try to Know)

Background imageSlothful Collection: An Incomplete Angler (engraving)

An Incomplete Angler (engraving)
7200966 An Incomplete Angler (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: An Incomplete Angler)

Background imageSlothful Collection: Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Paresseux; Sloth; Faulthier (engraving)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Paresseux; Sloth; Faulthier (engraving)
7196974 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Paresseux; Sloth; Faulthier (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Paresseux; Sloth; Faulthier)

Background imageSlothful Collection: Les paresseux (engraving)

Les paresseux (engraving)
7200189 Les paresseux (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Les paresseux. Illustration for La Chasse Illustree (Firmin Didot, 1875).); © Look and Learn

Background imageSlothful Collection: Silenus at the Wine Vat, 1628 (etching)

Silenus at the Wine Vat, 1628 (etching)
874584 Silenus at the Wine Vat, 1628 (etching) by Ribera, Jusepe de (c.1590-1652); 26.67 x34.61 cm; San Diego Museum of Art, USA; (add.info.: Silenus)

Background imageSlothful Collection: The Gardens of the Slothful man, Proverbs, XVIII, 9 (engraving)

The Gardens of the Slothful man, Proverbs, XVIII, 9 (engraving)
2809395 The Gardens of the Slothful man, Proverbs, XVIII, 9 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Gardens of the Slothful man, Proverbs, XVIII, 9)

Background imageSlothful Collection: Sloth, probably after 1621. Creator: Jacques Callot

Sloth, probably after 1621. Creator: Jacques Callot
Sloth, probably after 1621

Background imageSlothful Collection: The Land of Cockaigne, after 1570?. Creator: Attributed to Pieter van der Heyden

The Land of Cockaigne, after 1570?. Creator: Attributed to Pieter van der Heyden
The Land of Cockaigne, after 1570?. " The lazy and gluttonous farmers, soldiers, and clerks get there and taste all for nothing." After Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Background imageSlothful Collection: Garden slug, Arion distinctus, close up

Garden slug, Arion distinctus, close up

Background imageSlothful Collection: Romans Xii: 11

Romans Xii: 11
ROMANS : XII, 11 Not slothful in business; Fervent in spirit; Serving the Lord



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"Slothful: A Reflection on Laziness and Procrastination in Art" In the realm of art, the concept of slothfulness has been explored throughout history, serving as a cautionary tale against idleness and procrastination. From timeless masterpieces to intricate engravings, various artists have depicted this vice in their works. One such portrayal is "The Parable of the Talents" by an unknown artist from 1884. This oil on canvas painting illustrates the consequences of laziness through biblical storytelling. It reminds us that wasting our talents due to sloth can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Philip Galle's depiction of "Sloth (Desidia)" from his series "The Seven Deadly Sins" showcases a personification of indolence. Created in 1558, this artwork serves as a stark reminder that succumbing to lethargy can hinder personal growth and achievement. Another illustration titled "O: Idle" from 1890 captures the essence of slothfulness with its vivid imagery. The artist portrays a figure lounging around aimlessly, emphasizing how idleness can prevent progress and success. Similarly, "M N O P: Musician, Nest, Idle, Butterfly, " also from 1890, presents different symbols associated with laziness. Through these illustrations' clever use of visual cues like musical instruments or butterflies distracting one's focus from work or responsibilities highlights how distractions contribute to slothfulness. "The Fool Who Postpones Everything Until Tomorrow, " created between 1660-86 using brush and Indian ink on paper by an anonymous artist depicts someone who constantly delays tasks out of sheer laziness. This artwork serves as a warning against procrastination's detrimental effects on productivity and personal development. "The Lazy Service-Messenger Jester" and "The Lazy Fool, " both crafted between 1660-86 using brush and Indian ink on paper by another unidentified artist further emphasize the consequences of sloth.